Stress: what it is, how it manifests, and how it affects the body

Stress is familiar to almost everyone: it appears before an exam, after an argument, because of a deadline or a utility bill. It is not a disease or a sign of weakness, but the brain's and body's response to load. Let's look at how stress works, how it manifests in the body and thoughts, and where the line lies between ordinary tension and a condition for which it is better to see a doctor.

What stress is and why the body needs it

Stress is a set of nonspecific adaptive reactions of the body to stressors that disrupt its internal balance. Simply put: the brain and body respond to a demand or challenge, and hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, enter the blood. They make a person focused and ready to act, raise blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels. This reaction is called "fight or flight."

The benefit is real. If a car suddenly pulls onto the road, the same hormone release helps brake sharply. A deadline at work or in studies pushes one to finish on time — and after completion the tension subsides. Stress becomes a problem when it lasts long and does not let up.

Types of stress: acute, chronic, eustress, and distress

Stress can be short-term or long-term, caused by a one-time event or by something that repeats. Chronic stress lasts weeks, months, and longer: the body behaves as if the threat had not disappeared. Causes include constant demands from work, studies, family, money; abrupt changes such as divorce, illness, or job loss; traumatic events, for example a car accident, military actions, a flood, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

A distinction is also made between eustress — "good" tension — and distress — exhausting stress. Hans Selye described the general adaptation syndrome in 1936 and identified three stages: alarm and mobilization, resistance, exhaustion.

Psychology of stress: emotions, thoughts, and behavior

Psychological stress is linked to higher nervous activity in humans, and it is felt differently by different people. Thoughts: difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, everything seems excessive, worry does not switch off, forgetfulness. Behavior: irritability and sharpness, too much or too little sleep and food, avoidance of certain places and people, more alcohol or cigarettes.

The cause is often a sense that control over the situation is lost, but sometimes there is no obvious cause. Recognizing stress as the source of changes in oneself can be difficult.

How stress manifests in the body

The body responds first. Typical physical manifestations:

• headaches and dizziness;
• muscle tension and pain;
• stomach and digestive problems;
• chest pain and rapid heartbeat;
• sleep disturbances.

With prolonged tension, a person notices getting sick more often, sleeping worse, feeling sadness, anger, or irritation.

Why chronic stress is dangerous to health

When stress does not stop, the body lives in a mode of constant threat. Such a load weakens protection against infections and may contribute to the development of serious problems: depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes. It is easy to get used to symptoms and not notice that they are already interfering with life, so it is better to monitor one's condition.

When to see a doctor

A reason to talk to a doctor is severe symptoms that last two weeks or longer: sleep problems, changes in eating with unwanted weight change, difficulty getting out of bed because of mood, difficulty gathering thoughts, loss of interest in what used to be enjoyable, inability to do ordinary tasks. Also if one cannot cope on one's own. The doctor will assess how long this has been going on and how it affects life, and if necessary will refer to a psychologist or another mental health specialist.

Tension by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — if there are thoughts of suicide, the person has harmed themselves, for example taken too many medications, or says they can no longer cope and need immediate help.

This text is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if in doubt, ask a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer