The Effects of Stress

While there is still some debate amongst doctors and mental health professionals on the specific effects of stress, there is a general consensus of opinion that stress can have a negative effect on both the physical functioning of the body and on a persons psychological health. 

Physical Effects of Stress

Most people will have come under stress at some point in their lives and will have experienced some of the physiological effects stress can have on your body such as an increased heart rate, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, shortness of breath, and an upset stomach and other digestive problems.

There are also other negative physical side effects of stress that they may not be aware of, such as an increased blood pressure, and a rise in blood sugar levels. 

Very few people will also be aware that long term stress can have a detrimental effect on the body' s immune system and it's ability to fight off infections. This can not only leave them less able to fight off minor ailments such as colds and flu, but also make them more vulnerable to a whole range of more serious diseases and illnesses. Your body' s immune system is your first line of defence against many illnesses, and anything which weakens it's effectiveness can have a negative effect on your health and wellbeing.

Psychological Effects of Stress

In addition to these physical effects, there are also recognised psychological effects of stress. These can often be less noticeable to the casual observer, but nonetheless can have a detrimental effect on peoples wellbeing.

A high level of stress, particularly if sustained over a long period of time, can lead to increased irritability. The person may "blow up" at small insignificant events that they would normally take in their stride. They may also become more prone to outbursts of anger and may even physically lash out when they feel the stress is too much for them to deal with. People suffering from stress will often find difficulty in concentrating and can sometimes find it difficult to make a decision.

Too much stress can also reduce attention span, make memory recall less efficient and reduce the ability to deal with problems in a focussed, rational way. This can often result in depression and other psychological problems, and an inability to cope with everyday life and negative thoughts about yourself and the future.  

Once a person has lost confidence in themselves and their ability to deal with difficult situations, it can take time to rebuild this again.

For anyone suffering from too much stress, it's important to recognise the source of the problem and to take steps to deal with the situation, in order to avoid these long term physical and psychological effects.