YOUR HEALTH
Chronic Stress: Its Impact on the Body and Mind The symptoms of chronic stress are as diverse as the people they affect.
VERYONE experiences short-term stress from time to time, and that’s not always a bad thing – temporary stress can spur you to do your best work, rise to a challenge or avoid danger. For some people, however, the stress response gets stuck in the “on” position for days, weeks or months. That’s chronic stress. Left untreated, chronic stress can increase your risk for a host of serious health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Chronic stress is on the rise as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and associated concerns. T Newsome, MD, an internal medicine physician with Adventist Medical Group, estimated that, during 2020, 75% of his patients reported elevated stress levels. Just because more people are dealing with chronic stress, however, doesn’t mean it’s easy to recognize. This condition takes many forms, both physical and mental.
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WHEN WORRIES GET PHYSICAL Chronic stress isn’t like a cut, a broken bone or another physical injury, but it can have physical symptoms. A backache that won’t go away, a sore neck, a stiff jaw, or sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain could be signs of chronic stress. “Patients with chronic stress may report fatigue or overall malaise,” Dr. Newsome said. “Migraines and tension headaches can result from stress, as can neck pain, back pain, insomnia and oversleeping. Erectile dysfunction can affect men who are dealing with long-term stress.” What do the physical manifestations of stress have in common? Nearly all of them could be attributed to other causes, which is why it’s important to seek help from a medical professional. Start with your doctor, who can determine whether chronic stress is present and, if so, what to do about it – including whether you would benefit from a referral to a mental health professional.
Many people are surprised by how much taking time for themselves each day can help reduce stress.” — T Newsome, MD, an internal medicine doctor with Adventist Medical Group
