Is Your Stress Killing You? How Chronic Stress Impacts Your Body and Mind

Is Your Stress Killing You?

Stress is a universal experience. It’s our body’s natural response to challenges and perceived threats. While short-term stress can be beneficial in small amounts, chronic stress can severely damage your health.

In today's fast-paced world, we encounter countless stressors every day—from work deadlines and relationship conflicts to financial insecurity and digital overload. So, the real question is:

Can stress actually kill you?

Sadly, the answer is yes. Chronic stress disrupts almost every system in the body and can eventually lead to serious health consequences.

Types of Stress

1. Acute Stress: Short-term, typically resolves quickly. Example: stress before an exam.

2. Chronic Stress: Long-term, persistent stress that affects daily life and health. Example: toxic relationships or financial troubles.

What Chronic Stress Does to Your Body

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

Chronic stress elevates the heart rate and raises blood pressure. A rise in blood pressure increases the likelihood of hypertension and heart disease. Often, individuals who are stressed engage in smoking, drinking, or other activities, which can negatively affect the heart, leading to heart problems.

2. Brain and Nervous System

Chronic stress has been found to affect the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, leading to reduced volume and disrupted neuronal connections. These areas are responsible for important cognitive functions such as decision-making, which are seriously impaired in stressful situations. Stress hormones are found to inhibit neuron growth and cause atrophy in brain regions responsible for learning and emotional regulation. Chronic stress increases the risk of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and more.

3. Immune System

It is a known fact that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This makes individuals more susceptible to infections and slows down the recovery process. Certain research has highlighted the possible link between stress and cancer. Chronic stress also increases the risk of autoimmune diseases.

4. Endocrine System and Metabolism

PCOD/PCOS is a widespread condition faced by women of today. Though there are several factors contributing to this condition, chronic stress is one of the main reasons for this disorder. Chronic stress leads to irregular menstruation, sexual dysfunction, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

5. Digestive System

Irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and ulcers are linked to chronic stress.

6. Musculoskeletal and Skin Effects

Even skin problems like acne and hair loss are common among young adults who are experiencing chronic stress. Chronic stress can also cause muscle tension and pain.

7. Psychological Effects

Individuals who have chronic stress are at greater risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Among students who are stressed, concentration difficulty and memory loss are common. Sleep problems like insomnia, fatigue, and changes in appetite are the negative effects of chronic stress. Social withdrawal, negative self-image, poor self-care, and engaging in unhealthy coping strategies like drinking, substance abuse, and smoking are the negative psychological impacts of chronic stress. In severe cases, individuals engage in suicidal thoughts and may even attempt suicide. 

Stress becomes an issue when the elevated cortisol hormones continue to remain in the same state, instead of returning to normal levels. In other words, persistent stress that interferes with an individual’s daily functioning is considered harmful. Stress leads to health problems, which in turn cause more stress, further deteriorating the individual’s overall well-being, and thus creates a vicious cycle. 

The time that we live in has numerous stressors compared to our previous generations. With advancements in technology and globalization, tasks have become easier, but stress levels have skyrocketed. An example of this is the financial stress that many families experience due to shifts in economic conditions or the stress to gain validation on social media platforms. 

While we have no power over our circumstances, we can effectively manage our stress levels to ensure a healthier lifestyle. Stress management is a skill. Those who are able to manage their stress levels show reduced susceptibility to health issues.

Here are some ways to develop your stress management skills:

• Physical activity- Engaging in any form of physical activity, such as walking, yoga, dance, tai chi, or strength training, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts mood.

• Relaxation Techniques - Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help relax the mind and body.

• Mindfulness- Mindfulness practices, such as body scan meditation, are effective in reducing stress levels as they involve staying in the present and blocking out the external stimuli in your surroundings. 

• Healthy Diet- A balanced diet fuels both the mind and body. Healthy nutrition provides the body with strength and resilience to cope with stress.  

• Good Sleep- Proper sleep of around 7-8 hours is crucial for keeping stress at bay and helps in emotional regulation. 

• Social Network- A healthy and supportive social system is essential to reduce stress and increase positive emotions. 

• Time management- Time management is a skill that can help prevent burnout and reduce stress. Prioritizing important tasks, setting a proper timetable, and setting boundaries can reduce excessive pressure and overwhelm. 

• Positive Self-talk- Having a positive attitude about yourself can help you deal with challenging situations efficiently. Believing in yourself, your strengths, and understanding your weaknesses can help prepare you to face the challenges of life and build resilience. 

• Hobbies- Engage in activities that you’re passionate about. This can improve your self-esteem, build a sense of purpose, and promote positive thinking, thus boosting your mental health. 

Stress is not something simple to ignore. Long-term stress has severe consequences on both mental and physical health. If you are undergoing persistent stress or someone you know is going through the same, seek the help of a professional psychologist. Koott has licensed psychologists who are experts in dealing with issues related to stress. Our therapists help to identify the possible triggers and support us through various interventions designed to manage our stress levels. 

Book your session with Koott today.

FAQs

1. What are the causes of chronic stress?

A. The most common causes of chronic stress are financial issues, work related stress, familyresponsibilities, political events, and health problems. 

2. Do women or men experience more stress?

A. Women have reported higher stress levels than men. This is particularly due to the extra burden of handling both family and workplace responsibilities, along with the constant discrimination faced by women in various areas. Research has pointed out that working mothers experience 18% more stress than childless women.

3. How common is work-related stress?

A. Current statistics reveal that 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, and 49% of all U.S. adults say stress has negatively affected their behavior resulting in reduced productivity and motivation.

4. What is burnout?

A. Burnout is a long-term, persistent state of exhaustion caused by excessive or chronic stress. Burnout can severely affect an individual's daily functioning as well as overall well-being. Henceforth, it is important to look out for burnout and seek immediate support in such cases.