What is stress?
Stress happens when the body perceives a threat, the nervous system releases stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol as a normal response. This is what makes a person alert and moving. It speeds up the reaction time of the body and helps you respond according to the situation. Stress is a way to protect the body. It provides extra strength. However, when it becomes too many stress becomes the reason for illnesses and diseases, it can also aggravate existing medical condition.
How to respond to stress?
The first thing is to determine the stress level. You have to know when it is already out of control. Stress should not feel normal at all. Some people get used to it like doctors, nurses, teachers and people on a night shift however when it gets too high stress can affect the mind, body and behavior.
3 types of stressed individuals
1. Hot headed/ easily irritated or agitated- when the person is overly emotional and cannot sit still, have the tendency to shout back at people even while sitting.
2. Depressed state- the person suddenly becomes too silent and withdraws from the crowd and show very little energy or emotion.
3. Frozen stress response-feels weak and helpless, a person can even collapse and become paralyzed or too agitated.
Warning signs to look out for?
People who have stress overload can have memory problems. They are also unable to concentrate and they can have a hard time driving and solving simple tasks. They can also have poor judgment. A mother can suddenly slap a child for simple mistakes. Stressed individuals are unable to think positively and have the tendency to blame. They have racing thoughts that can lead them to depression, anxiety, moodiness, excessive crying and sense of loneliness and can sometimes feel isolated. Some would feel unexplainable aches and pain in the body.
How to avoid stress?
Maintain healthy relationships. A person needs other people to share their problems with, to talk and laugh with. People are not meant to be alone. Stress can increase when one is left on his own and at times this can even lead to suicide. Once you see a family member or friend suffering from too much stress take the time to talk to them and provide support.
