Stress Symptoms
Many people don’t even realize they are suffering stress symptoms. Stress is such a large part of modern life that people take its warning signs for granted. Not taking heed of stress symptoms, however, can lead to ominous consequences.
Understanding the causes of stress is paramount to battling its effects. When confronted with danger, the human body has a “fight or flight” reaction. The heart begins to race, blood pressure goes up, and the body may begin to perspire. Thousands of years ago, a stressful situation would have been relieved when the person took action. In today’s world, a variety of situations may trigger stress reactions. A tense work situation, taking care of a sick relative, or being sick oneself can all bring on symptoms of stress. Small annoyances can also bring on stress. Sitting in traffic or being in a noisy restaurant can cause a person’s body to exhibit stress symptoms. Recognizing the anxiety, which may be caused by such situations, is the first step toward relieving the stress they cause.
An elevated heart rate is often the first sign that stress levels are increasing. As the pulse rate rises, other symptoms of stress will become apparent. An individual may begin to feel warm, and the face and neck may become flushed with color. In the short term, stress that is not relieved may result in an upset stomach, a feeling of light-headedness, or even fainting. Over the long term, stress that is not dealt with can have much more serious outcomes. Stress symptoms may escalate to include the inability to sleep and constant severe headaches. Skin rashes, acne, and hives can all be symptoms of stress. Neglecting feelings of anxiety can also lead to the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol. Changes in personality, anger, and mood swings are sometimes traced back to stress. Fortunately, help is available for most, if not all, these stress induced conditions.
A person who suffers from mild stress attacks can begin to defuse them almost immediately. Removing the source of stress is the most effective way to deal with the problem. When a person’s palms start to sweat, or heart palpitations begin, the best thing to do is take a break. A short walk or just moving into another room can sometimes break the stress circuit. An individual who is trapped in a closed environment such as a car or an airplane might try distracting the mind. Thinking of a favorite, peaceful place can be one way to alleviate the symptoms of stress. Long term stress brought on by unavoidable circumstances is more difficult to address. Many sufferers find that exercise or talk therapy helps to mitigate ongoing anxiety. Dealing with stress symptoms in a positive, active way can lessen and many times eliminate them all together.