What is Stress? | Who does it affect? | What causes it? | What are the symptoms? | How can we manage it?

What is Stress?

Some pressure is beneficial. It gives us the motivation and drive to get up in the morning, to go about our business and achieve goals. However, when we feel unable to cope with the pressures we face in life we feel stressed. Everyone is different, the factors that cause one person stress may not affect another person in the same way. Those same factors that caused you stress on one occasion may not affect you at all in different circumstances. It is our own individual perception of things that determine whether we feel stressed or not and these things may be real or imaginary. We all have an inbuilt, natural reaction to perceived danger known as the "fight or flight" response When we perceive danger or a threatening situation hormones are released into the bloodstream to prepare the body for action. One of these hormones- adrenalin- brings about significant physiological changes to the body; heart rate and blood pressure increases, digestion slows, breathing becomes more rapid and deeper as oxygen is diverted to the muscles. Sweat and saliva production is increased, and hearing and sight become more acute. All these changes were essential in allowing early man to deal with real dangers and once the threat had been dealt with the chemical balance in the body would return to normal. Unfortunately in the modern world the "fight or flight" response kicks in on a regular basis, but the need for action is limited. These additional resources generated are not consumed and the chemical balance of the body is not restored. If this situation is allowed to continue unmanaged it leads to long- term damage to the health and well being of the body.

Who does it affect?

12 million adults a year visit their GP for stress related disorders 1 in 5 of the working population feel stressed. Men are more likely to suffer from stress although women suffer more from depression- which can be caused by stress. Those people who are described as having a type A personality are more at risk than those with a type B personality.

Everyone at some time will suffer from stress and it only becomes a problem when it is sustained and chronic.

What causes it?

• Lack of control
• Bereavement
• Money worries
• Work Issues
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Illness or injury
• Family problems
• Everyday situations-traffic, poor service, rudeness etc

What are the symptoms?

• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Changes in eating habits
• Difficulty concentrating
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Increased nicotine consumption
• Difficulty relaxing
• Increased caffeine consumption

How can we manage it?

Time Management - prioritise, plan ahead, make lists, do not overcommit, make time to relax.

Health Management - drink 8 glasses of water a day, reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption take regular exercise eat a regular and balanced diet.

Mind Management - think positive, stop worrying (your imagination is more powerful than reality) stay calm, keep things in perspective

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