Chronic stress negatively affects our daily functioning. By experiencing it over a long period of time, we can suffer the consequences of many serious diseases. We explain what symptoms of stress should attract our attention and what are the ways of dealing with negative emotions that last for a long time.
Table of contents:
Symptoms of long-term stress
What can long-term stress lead to?
Chronic stress – treatment
Symptoms of long-term stress
Stress accompanies us every day and it is impossible to avoid it. Especially in the modern world that is dynamically developing, we come into contact with many difficult situations. Then our cortisol levels increase, and at the same time the levels of serotonin and dopamine decrease , i.e. neurotransmitters, the deficiency of which can cause disturbances in the functioning of the body.
If we experience stress over a long period of time, it can adversely affect our health. What are the symptoms of long-term stress? They are not very different from the symptoms that accompany everyone in emotionally difficult situations. These include:
- shaking hands;
- increased sweating;
- flushing on the face and around the neck;
- increased heart rate;
- difficulty falling asleep;
- indigestion;
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- anxiety;
- decreased libido.
It is also worth mentioning the changes that take place in our body at that time. These are:
- widening airways;
- heart rate increases and blood pressure increases;
- dilating blood vessels in the brain while constricting vessels in other organs.
What can long-term stress lead to?
Long-term stress can lead to serious health consequences . These include problems with the heart, digestive system, problems with alopecia, weight gain, tension headaches, chronic colds and mental problems.
Heart problems
The effects of long-term stress include heart problems. Too long exposure to stressors can cause myocardial infarction . We should be concerned about symptoms such as palpitations, stinging in the chest, difficulty breathing, and muscle aches.
Trouble with the digestive system
I think we’ve all heard that chronic stress can lead to stomach ulcers . This is because too much adrenaline negatively affects the lining of the stomach. Stress can also be responsible for irritable bowel syndrome. Here you may alternate between diarrhea and constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain and flatulence.
Stress and alopecia
What else can chronic stress lead to? In some, it can cause hair loss and alopecia . This is due to the stimulation of the immune system that attacks the hair follicles.
Weight gain
During prolonged stress, some people experience weight gain. This is due to an excess of cortisol in the blood. Then the body cannot process the sugar in the blood, the glucose level rises, which can result in diabetes.
Tension headaches
How else does long-term stress affect the body? You may experience severe headaches located near the temples or the occiput. It is usually a throbbing pain that gets worse gradually. Sometimes it paralyzes the movements. It comes at the end of the day or when you wake up. Long-term stress also causes migraine headaches, which are harder to heal than tension headaches.
The immune system and stress
Chronic stress makes our immune system weaker , making us more vulnerable to viruses and infections. Then we may suffer from colds more often.
Chronic stress and mental health
Chronic stress also affects our mental health. Repressing emotions and the fear of loneliness threaten our mental condition. Hopelessness can also worsen depression.
Chronic stress – healing
How to treat chronic stress and what methods will be most effective in this situation? It all depends on individual circumstances. Certain character traits and life attitudes contribute to the intensification of stressors. People who are assertive and have the ability to express their emotions and opinions are better able to cope with difficult situations. Also, focusing on the present, rather than analyzing the past, enables you to cope with stress better.
If we experience chronic stress, remember about adequate relaxation and rest – regular sleep and spending time in your favorite way. What else can be useful if we want to reduce the stress level?
- playing sports;
- meditation techniques;
- healthy eating;
- sharing your emotions with loved ones;
- avoiding stimulants and drinking coffee in the afternoon and evening hours.
It happens that we are not able to deal with the effects of chronic stress on our own – then it is good to consult a specialist. An adult psychologist will listen to us and try to find the best treatment option. Each of us can experience more difficult emotional states, and mental health experts are sure to help us cope with our problems. The chronic stress treatment that adult psychotherapy offers is a very reasonable solution. A psychologist in Wołomin provides professional support in a friendly atmosphere and full discretion.
Long-term stress usually affects our health. Family troubles, problems at work or in relationships with other people can make our well-being worse. It is important to recognize the difficulties in time and take appropriate steps to change. Changing our lifestyle, relaxing and learning rational ways to deal with stress will allow us to lead a peaceful and fulfilled life.
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