Identifying Stress in the Body

What is stress?  Stress is the body’s instinctive response to change and challenges.  These changes and challenges manifest themselves in the body as well as one’s mood and behavior.  When we are involved in circumstances that are out of our control, we can feel pressured or threatened.  Demanding situations cause tension, strain and emotional pain in the body.  If we strive to understand what exactly is happening internally, we will be better equipped to approach the symptoms with solutions.  See the chart below. 

STRESS SYMPTOMS	WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BODY
DIFFICULTY BREATHING	The brain triggers the fight or flight response.  The muscles need more oxygen for quick action.  Breathing happens more quickly for additional oxygen.
PANIC ATTACK	Adrenaline and other chemicals are secreted abundantly into the body.  Breathing and pulse increase immensely to move blood to the muscles to facilitate the fight or flight response.
FATIGUE	When stressed, the body increases the hormone cortisol.  Once the stressor has passed, the hormone drops significantly causing exhaustion.
TENSION HEADACHES	Once it was believed, neck and scalp muscles contract when stressed.  Recent studies suggest that neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) fluctuate and cause tension headaches as well.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE	During stress, adrenaline and cortisol are released causing the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to constrict.  The narrowing of the blood vessels increases blood pressure.
DIZZINESS & FAINTING	Elevated cortisol levels interfere with the vestibular system (inner ear) which controls balance.  Higher hormone levels impair the system’s transmissions to the brain.
WEIGHT GAIN/LOSS	Cortisol levels affect appetite.  Self-regulation is diminished.  In addition, the number of calories burned changes.
SWEATING	Sweat cools the body down after the temperature is raised due to a perceived threat.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE VARIATIONS	During stress, cortisol can affect the hypothalamus which interacts with the pituitary gland and ovaries.  The result is irregular periods.
CHRONIC STRESS	The intensification of all pre-existing health issues.    Constant disruption of body processes when there is no present danger leads to disease.
DEPRESSION	Malfunctioning neurotransmitters such as serotonin increase pain sensitivity.  Sleep is also affected.
DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING  ANXIETY	External threats demand the brain’s attention.  The function of the frontal lobe (responsible for concentration) is derailed as survival mode is initiated.  Focused thinking becomes difficult.  Makes the heart beat faster.  Causes upset stomach and/or nausea.  Initiates headaches and/or migraines.  Makes one sweat.  Causes trembling/shaking.
ANGER	Increases blood sugar, blood pressure and blood flow to the muscles.  Sweating also occurs.
IRRITABILITY	Can cause elevated heartbeat, over-sensitivity to stimuli and negative thoughts about oneself or others.
DECREASED SEX DRIVE  AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE  PROBLEMS WITH MEMORY AND FOCUS	The release of cortisol disrupts sex hormone levels.   Stress hormones deregulate cytokines (signaling proteins that help the immune system fight pathogens).  This deregulation can lead to excess inflammation.  Elevated stress hormone cortisol inhibits the ability of the hippocampus to formulate and recall memories under stress.

It is obvious that the common culprit when it comes to stress is the elevated and prolonged presence of cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is a welcomed, good thing when there’s a fleeting urgent stressor present.  However, chronic (long standing) stress endangers every function of the body when high cortisol levels are maintained.  Elevated, prolonged cortisol levels disrupt body processes.  It is in our best interest to remove all unnecessary, unfruitful stressors from our lives to optimize health. 

Sources 

1. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/signs-and-symptoms-of-stress/ 

2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/stress