Stress is a normal part of life. It’s a natural response to situations that require us to adapt and change. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to various physical and mental health problems. Chronic stress can cause many physical symptoms that are often overlooked or dismissed.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some physical signs that stress is out of control.
Muscle tension
When stressed, the muscles tense up as a natural response to the perceived threat. Muscle tension can lead to pain and discomfort. This tension can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and other body parts.
Digestive problems
Stress can cause stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are caused by the release of stress hormones, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system.
Fatigue
When stress overwhelms our bodies and minds, it can manifest in various ways, and fatigue is one of the most prominent indicators. As stress levels rise, the body’s natural response is to release stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt our systems’ average balance and functioning if it continues.
This hormonal imbalance can affect our sleep patterns. It leads to restless nights and a lack of rejuvenation. The constant mental and emotional strain of stress can drain our energy reserves, leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted throughout the day.
Nausea
Numerous gastrointestinal intestine effects of stress include nausea and a knot in the stomach. Digestion is usually hampered and affected when the nervous system tries to handle stress.
The nervous system primarily controls the colon, and those with IBS have colons that are more reactive to stress. Hence the Anxiety and Depression Association of America claims that irritable bowel syndrome can also be linked to stress.
Changes in Appetite
Stress can also affect one’s appetite. Depending on the body’s stress response, it can cause a person to overeat or undereat. Some people turn to food for comfort when stressed, while others lose their appetite.
Sweating More Than Usual
When the body is anxious or stressed, perspiration is released from the apocrine glands in the armpit, groin, and scalp (as opposed to the eccrine glands that create heat and sweat). This stress sweat contains fatty acids and proteins.
Fortunately, this form of sweat is usually odorless, though it can still be unpleasant. It’s easier said than done, but the ultimate remedy is to get to the bottom of the problem and discover ways to reduce tension.
Irregular Period
The menstrual cycle may become irregular if there’s too much cortisol because it interferes with the sex hormones that regulate ovulation. Anovulation, which prevents the body from releasing an egg, can cause stress.
Under typical stress conditions, this should not occur; instead, it is usually noted in situations of extreme, ongoing stress.
Conclusion
When stress becomes overwhelming and out of control, it can significantly impact a person’s physical well-being. The physical indications of stress are often overlooked. Still, they are vital warning signs that a body is under excessive strain.
Engaging in relaxation techniques, seeking support from loved ones or professionals, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and finding time for self-care are all effective strategies for combating stress.
If you are experiencing physical signs of stress and seeking affordable therapy in Brooklyn, contact Therapy24x7 Immediately! With our dedicated team of experienced professionals, we offer psychotherapy and life-coaching services online. We aim to provide the support, coping strategies, and results-based therapy needed to overcome issues affecting an individual’s daily life. Get in touch now!