According to researchers, adults who experience chronic stress are more likely to die than adults with lesser levels of stress. And, many studies have shown that adult life is the most stressful of all. And, this cumulative stress can take a toll on the body, not only manifesting as physical ailments but also mental ailments.
In this article, we’ll discuss the implications of chronic stress in adults and how it impacts the quality of life. We’ll look at how stress manifests itself as physical and emotional problems and explore how stress management training can help reduce the impact of stress. What follows is a brief introduction to the topic.
Stress is a chemical response to negative feelings. Negative feelings are experienced by an individual when he or she experiences an unpleasant situation. Negative feelings are triggered by a combination of biological, environmental, and other factors. Experiencing such feelings can be detrimental to one’s health, and in some cases, can cause death.
Studies of adults who have experienced chronic stress have shown it to be linked to life expectancy. The National Institutes of Health report that adults who have lived through stressful events such as divorce, unemployment, and financial crisis were four times more likely to die over a ten-year period. Such studies are among the first to demonstrate the association between poor health and chronic stress. Studies of adults show that those who live through stressful events are more likely to be diagnosed with physical problems and mental illnesses.
While the link between stress and life expectancy is a well-established phenomenon, the exact role of chronic stress in the development of cancer is not well understood. Some experts believe that chronic stress may be a predisposing factor for the development of cancer. People who have experienced significant amounts of stress in their lives are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. Some studies even show that women who experience stress tend to have an increased risk of developing some types of cancer. People who have had chronic stress may have experienced debilitating health consequences, including – hypertension, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and even heart attack. Such adverse health effects can stem from a single bout of extreme stress. A decade or two of long-term stress can lead to complications that can last a lifetime.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression are just a few of the physical and emotional ailments that are linked to chronic stress. Certain drugs used to treat cancer can also be linked to stress, particularly when patients are taking several medications simultaneously. So, it would be wise to avoid the use of stress medications and seek alternative treatment options if the pain and discomfort are affecting your quality of life. Instead, consider taking some stress management classes to help you learn how to manage your stress.
Besides the physical effects of stress, there are also the psychological effects that can come with it. Research has found that people who experience chronic stress are more likely to suffer from health problems, including – mood disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. Although it may seem that the only danger that comes with experiencing chronic stress is the possibility of developing a physical ailment, there are some risks that can go unnoticed – and that can lead to serious health problems.
Chronic stress can result in weight gain, digestive problems, or even general health issues, including – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. These risks can go unnoticed, and many people may not even realize that they are suffering from stress.
There are many symptoms of chronic stress that can be easily overlooked. Some symptoms include – fatigue, irritability, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can develop gradually over time, so it’s important to notice them before it’s too late.
To avoid developing any chronic stress-related problems, it’s always important to make an effort to find out what can cause your stress and then minimize its effect. The best way to do this is to keep a regular journal for tracking your daily stressors. Learn how to identify your triggers and turn these into opportunities to strengthen your resistance to stress.
