The Effects of Stress on the Human Body

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Thesis5

How does Stress Work?5

Common Symptoms6

Long Term Stress6

Depression7

Chronic Stress8

Psychological Concepts10

Coping With Psychological Stress10

Effects on Organs13

Heart13

Blood Vessels13

The Blood14

Lungs14

The Digestive System14

Kidneys14

The immune system15

The Reproductive System15

The Liver15

The Mental Conflicts15

The Nerve Function16

Mitigation16

Techniques17

Alternative Methods18

Conclusion18

References21

The Effects of Stress on the Human Body

Introduction

Every human being naturally desires good health and well-being in their lives. Unfortunately, in our complex world, we are often subjected to various types of stress. Stress can be seen in almost everything; everyday events in the world such as unemployment, stopping at a prolonged traffic light, looking superior or inferior to your peers, illnesses, divorces and even marriages. These are but a few of the possible reasons behind stress. In fact, stress has accompanied man since the actual beginning of the human intellect. It's just the reasoning that has evolved, as has the way we live. The sources of stress were different from those that we now know.

From the psychological point of view, it is a state of general mobilization of the body as a response to severe physical or mental stimuli. This can be seen in the form of intensification of emotional tension until the excitement actually causes disturbance in the functioning of the body and the psyche, normally caused by stressors (Kolk et al, 1996). Additionally, this can also occur if certain risks are undertaken and needs are unsatisfied, thus impairing activity. Because of stress, the psychological course an individual takes towards personality, needs, values, personality image can be tarnished.

In biology, stress is a condition that manifests a kind of a team of non-specific changes, caused by a stressor, in the whole system that works the whole body or part thereof. There are three stages of stress; alarm, adaptation and exhaustion. Mastering the previously mentioned stages, using preventive techniques, allows one to master the risk caused by the said stressor. Once mastered, the body tends to stabilize, also referred to as adaptation (Goleman & Gurin, 1993). In some cases, however, when the stressor is very strong and its effects extended, the stress can gradually lead to the development of various diseases; such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disorders, digestion, metabolism and allergic reactions. The main regulators of stress are: the brain, nerves, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, liver, kidneys, blood vessels, connective tissue and white blood cells.

Thesis

“Stress affects not only the human body physically, but it affects the mind as well. Effects can be seen in the form of dwindling physical performances and troubling social interactions.”

How does Stress Work?

Stress accompanies us in our daily lives and it often happens that we cannot control it. Frequent symptoms include increased heart rate, sweaty palms and goose bumps; appearing under the influence of strong emotion. Stress applies to every human being regardless of sex or age. The progress of civilization, or the changing conditions of daily existence, result that an increasing proportion of people living in a very fast pace, thus exposing themselves to a lot of stressful situations. Continuous pursuit of improved living conditions, career, exorbitant challenges, ...