Stress is a general term used to describe a wide variety of sensations and responses the human body experiences. There are multiple forms of stress:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – this form of stress occurs after an event such as war, natural disaster, rape, car accident or other frightening or dangerous events. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD occurs three months after the event for most sufferers and can happen at any age, including to children.
- Acute stress – the most prevalent form of stress, acute stress is described as coming from pressures or demands of the recent past or anticipated demands and pressures of the near future.
- Episodic acute stress – a form of acute stress that is accompanied by a harried personality, someone who takes on too much, or the “worry wart” who can find disaster and catastrophe in every situation.
- Chronic Stress – this is the form of stress that can be fatal if left untreated. Sufferers become accustomed to constant pressures of stress and it wears down the physical and mental resources over time. Chronic Stress can lead to suicide, stroke, heart attack and violent behavior.
The Effects of Stress
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians two-thirds of all office visits to a family physician are driven by stress-related symptoms.
The American Institute of Stress notes there are 50 common signs and symptoms of stress, some are:
- Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed
- Sudden attacks of panic
- Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
- Weight gain or loss without diet
- Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
In a 2007 study by the American Psychological Association, 45% of those polled reported that stress has a negative impact on their relationship with their spouse or partner. Eight percent reported a divorce or separation due in part to stress.
The same study also cited that 66 percent of smokers reported smoking more when stressed. Forty-three percent of all polled overate or ate unhealthy foods while 36 percent skipped a meal.
Finding Help for Stress
Lesser forms of stress can respond to meditation, exercise and other ways of stress reduction.
A primary care physician or family doctor can help a patient explore stress-related help, especially when other coping mechanisms are no longer beneficial. A patient may receive a referral to a mental health professional, or a community mental health center. Other options may include religious leaders or counselors, and social service agencies.
References:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, U.S. National Library of Medicine, updated 29 September 2008, accessed online.
- Stress, U.S. National Library of Medicine, updated 29 September 2008, accessed online.
- Stress: The Different Kinds of Stress, APA Help Center, American Psychological Association, accessed online 2008.
- 2007 Stress in America, APA Help Center, American Psychological Association, accessed online 2008.
- Getting Help: Locate Services, National Institute of Mental Health, accessed online 2008.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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