At some time or other, everyone faces stress in their life. Whether it is the result of a specific event, or it comes from longer term concerns, stress can be an appropriate response. It has some short term positive effects, but carried on for too long, it will cause health problems.
Stress is the body's response to a stressor (a challenge which causes stress). Acute stress occurs when a person is faced with immediate threat or stressful situation. Think of an intense argument with a co-worker, or nearly being hit by an automobile.
In each case, the body responds immediately by releasing chemicals that make it alert, tense and ready for action. This is the so-called "fight-or-flight" response. Once released, these chemicals take up to an hour to dissipate.
Chronic, or long term stress, can be the result of many individual instances of acute stress. Alternately, it may arise from a life condition such as chronic disease or a difficult work situation. For those with high levels of chronic stress, the physiological response (fight-or-flight) remains activated longer and contributes to physical stress.
The body never has time to recover. Over a long period, chronic stress will affect the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and the immune system. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and depression.
Today we no longer fight or run in response to most stressors; the "fight-or-flight" dilemma has changed, but the adrenaline still courses through our system, leading to a number of stress symptoms.
These can be categorized into four types:
Physical symptoms include headaches, indigestion, sleep difficulties, back and neck pain, racing heart, restlessness, and tiredness.
Behavioural symptoms may include a bossiness, an attitude critical of others, overuse of alcohol or tobacco or compulsive eating, and an inability to get things done.
Emotional symptoms like crying, nervousness and anxiety are common, as are boredom (there is no meaning to anything), edginess (a readiness to explode), feeling powerless to change things, and loneliness.
The fourth category, cognitive symptoms, include difficulty thinking clearly, forgetfulness, lack of creativity, memory loss, inability to make decisions, and a lost sense of humour.
Men and women are different it the face of stress. Women are more often stressed, and by more stressors. These will include time pressures, others' expectations, marital issues, and family health. For men, stressors are often related to job situations and financial status.
Though there are differences, stress affects most of us. For example, Statistics Canada reports that about 26 per cent of Canadians are under "quite a lot" of life stress; they also report that 12.8 per cent of us consider our life stress as "not at all."
Reducing stress can be quite simple. The first step is to recognize that it exists - denial will only take you so far! Staying healthy and active both contribute to less stress, as does physical activity.
Taking control of your life can do wonders to ease stress: learn to say no; understand your boundaries; reconsider relationships where you are giving more than getting; and find ways to resolve conflicts at home and at work.
Stress can be managed and, as 12.8 per cent of Canadians claim, even eliminated. On the other hand, uncontrolled stress can also lead to clinical depression and other health problems. Think about that next time you come across one of your personal stressors.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for the Sea-to-Sky.
