The impact of chronic stress on human health. Stress and its effect on the human body

As you know, everyone's life modern man, replete with many stress factors. Troubles at work, then escalating, then subsiding global economic crisis, troubles with children, health problems, and probably a couple of dozen other reasons, all this constantly affects the psyche.

At first, the problems are likely to be purely psychological character: irritability, anxiety, imbalance, but over the years, a lot has changed. Somatic diseases may also occur.

Over the years, the factors listed above can lead to many somatic diseases. How to avoid all that promises a person constant psychological troubles, how to reduce the impact of stress on health?

What is stress?

Stress is a combination psychological factors, which are evaluated by a person as threatening. Of course, no matter what we do, in our life there is always a place for such phenomena.

The same phenomenon can be perceived by a person as stress, and by another individual as completely normal phenomenon. The reason for this lies in various psychotypes or in personality accents.

Perhaps many people know that we are all divided into two categories, optimists and pessimists. Remember famous phrase about the same glass, which can be half empty or full.

Optimists tend not to view what happens to them as stressful. Rather, this kind of phenomenon is accepted as a challenge to reality, which should be dealt with. At this time, many life support systems are mobilized, which ultimately leads to victory.

Pessimists, on the contrary, tend to exaggerate the significance of this or that phenomenon. Even the slightest difficulties lead to the fact that a person begins to withdraw into himself, problems seem insurmountable, and so on.

Effect of stress on the nervous system

Of course, nervous system suffers from stress more than everyone else. And, as a result, it can affect other organs of our body, because the brain is endowed with the rights of the regulator of all biochemical processes. How are disturbances in the work of the nervous apparatus manifested?

There are many deviations in the human psyche. First of all, it should be noted the appearance emotional instability. Even the most insignificant factor can unbalance such an individual: an awkward look or a harsh word.

Episodes of anger can alternate with periods of depression, during which the person begins to withdraw into himself, falls into a deep depression, and the like.

Neuro imbalance biochemical reactions over the years, can lead to the appearance of deviations in the work of many organs. There are changes in the endocrine background, the immune system suffers, problems appear in the genital area.

The effect of stress on immune system

As I have already indicated, nervous tension negatively affects the work of many organs. The immune system is also subject to similar influences. Through a complex chain of biochemical reactions, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the so-called natural defenders of the body changes.

If normally, these internal protective agents easily coped with all potential threats, then in pathology, the immune system is no longer able to perform its duties with high quality. Such people are very often prone to seasonal colds, and this is far from the saddest thing.

It has been scientifically proven that in the presence of constant stress, the likelihood of oncological pathology increases significantly.

Upon learning of the presence of such a diagnosis, many people experience a real shock, go into themselves, refuse treatment. Of course, in this case, it is not necessary to hope for a positive outcome.

Effect of stress on metabolism

The imbalance of internal biochemical processes inevitably leads to failures in the main metabolism. Most often this is expressed in violations of lipid catabolism. The body, as if preparing for hard times, begins to increase the storage of fat reserves, and inhibits the process of lipolysis.

I think many people understand that we are talking about obesity. Add to this the habit of "seizing" stressful situations, and then the scale of the problem becomes obvious. According to the World Health Organization, every third person on the planet suffers from this disease to one degree or another.

Given the ever-growing global economic crisis, for the most part, it is not necessary to count on the fact that this trend can somehow change.

The effect of stress on the cardiovascular system

As you know, during stress, the hormonal background of a person is significantly rebuilt. Substances are released into the blood, which contribute to a sharp decrease in the lumen of peripheral vessels. This results in a condition called hypertension.

High blood pressure, at first, is tolerated by a person easily and calmly. Many of us go years without noticing anything even remotely indicating this kind of problem.

As a person gets older, his resistance to hypertension decreases significantly. If, in this case, the disease is not given due attention, the situation can turn out to be much more sad consequences including strokes and hemorrhages.

Conclusion

As you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to deal with its consequences. While stress has not yet made itself felt, all measures should be taken to eliminate them. harmful effects. Reasonable alternation of work and rest, proper nutrition, playing sports, giving up bad habits, here is what will help in this difficult matter.

You can boast of excellent health and the ability to resist any disease as much as you like, but not to experience stress even once in your life?! Such people simply do not exist! Negativity, conflict situations, reasons for nervous overstrain in the life of a modern person, alas, abound. A is a natural reaction of the body to such factors.

Everyone knows bad influence stress on human health, both mental and physiological. No wonder they say that all diseases arise from nerves, but what exactly can this manifest itself in?

Psycho-emotional state

splash negative emotions regardless of the reasons that caused it, it introduces an imbalance in the usual measured way of life. Stress affects a person's behavior in society, affects his mental capacity, reduce performance. With isolated cases, the body can cope. In this case, stress is not so dangerous and does not lead to serious consequences. But if the nervous tension lasts for a long time, a person is constantly stressed, then this can cause various psycho-emotional disorders and nervous disorders.

Common effects of stress are:

  • imbalance;
  • causeless mood swings;
  • neuroses;
  • emotional instability;
  • memory impairment, impaired attention;
  • anger;
  • increased fatigue.

In such a state, the quality of human life deteriorates significantly. Simply put, it becomes much more difficult for him to live, since any action is given with with great difficulty and requires incredible mental strength. Often, against the background of stress, insomnia, irritability, intolerance, can occur.

Most disappointing post stressful condition- severe prolonged depression, apathy towards everything around. The consequence of this may be a complete loss of interest in life, suicidal behavior, intrusive thoughts about suicide.

Stress and physical health

One way or another, stress causes a temporary disruption of the functions of the central nervous system and brain. And since all systems and organs in the human body are interconnected, this cannot affect his physical health. That is why stress is mentioned as one of the main causes of the onset or exacerbation of huge amount somatic diseases. The most common consequences are:

  • Weakened immunity, low body resistance to viral, bacterial, infectious diseases.
  • muscle dystrophy.
  • The likelihood of cellular degeneration of tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Increased risk of developing oncological diseases of various etiologies, etc.

Most often, due to stress, diseases of the cardiovascular system develop ( ischemic disease, angina pectoris, etc.) and the gastrointestinal tract (,). But strong nervous strains also affect the work of other systems in the most negative way. This happens due to the fact that during stress, hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the body are produced in excessive quantities. As a result, hormonal regulation gets out of control, which causes reactions that provoke the appearance of ailments, the occurrence of certain diseases, and the exacerbation of chronic diseases.

For example, elevated level glucocorticoids cause rapid breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids. The result of a deficiency of these substances is muscle dystrophy. In addition, a high concentration of glucocorticoids in the body makes it difficult for calcium to be absorbed by bone tissues, as a result of which their structure changes, becoming more porous and fragile. Stress- one of the most probable causes the development of such a common disease today as.

Hormonal disorders caused by stress are also reflected in the state skin. An excess of some and a lack of other hormones hinder the growth of fibroblasts. Similar structural changes cause thinning of the skin, resulting in its easy damage, reduced ability to heal wounds.

The negative consequences of an increased content of stress hormones in the body, exceeding allowable norms, it doesn't end there. Among the most dangerous are growth retardation, destruction of spinal cord and brain cells, reduced insulin synthesis, the development of tumor processes, and oncological diseases.

Based on the above, one conclusion follows: stress- an extremely dangerous condition, entailing serious consequences for both physical and psychological health! Therefore, you should try by all means to avoid stressful situations, emotional overstrain, depression.

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Each of us has experienced stress at least once in our lives. Such a state cannot be called pleasant. This is not surprising, since it negative impact on the human body.

stress and health

It's no secret that stress often makes you feel worse. This manifests itself in different ways. So, the following symptoms are often observed:

  • severe and frequent headaches;
  • chronic sleep deprivation;
  • cardiopalmus;
  • decrease in working capacity;
  • increased fatigue.

The impact of stress on human health is often more serious. For example, the immune system is significantly weakened, which increases vulnerability to various infectious diseases and harmful bacteria. Often there is a malfunction digestive system. As a result, there is an exacerbation of ulcers and gastritis. Also, the consequences of severe stress include the growth of malignant neoplasms, degeneration of the brain on cellular level and muscle dystrophy. People suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system complain of exacerbation of hypertension. AT rare cases a heart attack occurs.

Stress and state of mind

Stress has a significant impact on mental health any person. In this state, people may experience apathy. Some even lose their taste for life, which in advanced cases can lead to suicide.

Other negative manifestations stress is aggression and irritability, frequent seizures anger, mood swings, self-doubt. At severe stress insomnia, depression and neuroses may be noted.

Can stress be helpful?

It would seem that stress has a devastating effect on health. However, if you understand this issue in detail, you can come to the conclusion that sometimes the effect of stress on a person’s health is positive. It's about about the following points:

During stress, the body starts the active production of adrenaline. Thanks to this hormone, a person begins to look for a way out of problem situation and always finds it.

Often it is stress that leads people to try to build relationships with others. This is due to the rapid increase in the level of oxytocin, which experts call the hormone of attachment.

If the stressful state does not last long, then the person improves memory and concentration. This helps to effectively solve the most challenging tasks in a short time.

One clever man said that whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger. This statement is unfounded. People who overcome various stressful situations become more resilient.

In general, the effect of stress cannot be called unambiguously negative. Of course, such a condition is dominated by negative consequences, but this is not a reason to panic at the slightest shock and rush to the doctor.

Of course, stress should not be underestimated, because it is at this moment that all the most weak sides humans are especially vulnerable. Some people immediately fall into depression, others behave aggressively and even inappropriately, and still others are forced to seek help. medical care due to a significant deterioration in health. To prevent this from happening, you should fully relax and treat everything with humor.

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Throughout life, we are constantly faced with stress. Stress is a natural physical and mental response to both good and bad experiences that can be extremely beneficial to your health and safety. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones into your bloodstream, increasing your heart rate and breathing faster. As a result, the brain receives more oxygen and allows you to appropriately respond to the problem. In the short term, stress helps you deal with difficult situations.

Stress can be caused by the burden of daily responsibilities at work and at home. Negative events, such as divorce or the death of a loved one, also cause stress. So is physical illness. Traumatic stress caused by war, disaster, or a criminal attack can keep you stressed for much longer than it takes to survive. Well, chronic stress can lead to the appearance of various symptoms and affect general state health and your well-being.

Let's look at what the impact of stress renders on various systems organism.

Effects of stress on the central nervous and endocrine systems

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. The central nervous system instantly tells what to do to all other parts of the body, directing all resources to solve the problem. In the brain, the hypothalamus comes into play, telling the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol.

When the feeling of fear passes, the central nervous system tells all systems that it is possible to return to normal mode. If the central nervous system itself fails to return to normal mode or the stress factor has not disappeared, this will affect your health.

Symptoms chronic stress include irritability, anxiety and depression. You may suffer from headaches or insomnia. Chronic stress can lead to overeating or undereating, alcohol or drug abuse, and social isolation.

Stress and the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

stress hormones affect the respiratory and cardiovascular system. During stress response you breathe faster to quickly distribute oxygen and blood throughout your body. If you have a respiratory condition like asthma or emphysema, stress can lead to difficulty breathing.

The heart also pumps blood faster. Stress hormones cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure. All this helps to oxygenate the brain and heart so that you have more energy and strength to act.

Frequent or chronic stress makes the heart work too hard for too long, increasing the risk of developing hypertension as well as heart problems. blood vessels and heart. In this case, you are more likely to have a stroke or heart attack.

The hormone estrogen gives premenopausal women some protection against stress-related heart disease.

The effect of stress on the digestive system

Under stress, the liver produces extra sugar (glucose) to give you an energy boost. Unused blood sugar will be reabsorbed by body tissues. If you are under chronic stress, your body may not have time to normalize blood sugar and then you are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A sharp increase in hormone levels, rapid breathing and heart rate can lead to digestive disorders. You will most likely suffer from heartburn and acid reflux. Stress is not the cause of ulcers, the bacterium "Helicobacter pylori" is to blame. However, stress can aggravate an already existing ulcer.

You may experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The effect of stress on the movement of food through the digestive tract can lead to diarrhea or constipation.

Muscular system and stress

Under stress, muscles tense up to protect themselves from damage. You may have already noticed that in difficult situations tense up, and when the stressor disappears, relax. If you are constantly under stress, your muscles have no opportunity to rest. Tight muscles can cause headaches, pain in the back, shoulders, and other parts of the body. Pain can force you to start using painkillers, which can lead to an unhealthy addiction.

Sex drive and the reproductive system

Stress drains the resources of the body and mind. It is not uncommon for people under chronic stress to lose interest in sex. However, during times of stress, the male body can produce more of the male sex hormone testosterone, which is capable of short term increase sexual arousal.

In women, stress can affect menstrual cycle. Menstruation can become irregular, or even completely disappear, it can be more difficult and painful. The physical symptoms of menopause may be more intense in a state of chronic stress.

If stress continues for a long time, testosterone levels begin to drop. This can affect sperm production and lead to erectile dysfunction or impotence. The chronic effects of stress can make the urethra, prostate, and testes more susceptible to infection.

Immune response to stress

Stress stimulates the immune system. If the stress is short-term, then it will benefit the immune system. It helps prevent infectious diseases and heal wounds. However, over time, cortisol compromises the immune system by suppressing histamine secretion and the inflammatory response. People in a state of chronic stress are more susceptible to viral and colds. This increases the risk of developing concomitant diseases and infections. Stress can also prolong the recovery period after an illness or injury.

Many people are constantly under the influence of stress. This negatively affects human health. Are depleted nerve cells, immunity decreases, a tendency to various physical diseases appears. And it is also possible that under the influence of stress may appear mental disorder. For example, neurosis obsessive states, which is not so easy to correct.


Real life example: Anastasia lived happy life until he left her close person. She took this departure very hard. But Nastya did nothing to mitigate the impact stressful situation. On the contrary, she engaged in self-flagellation. And as a result, the girl appeared.

Or another example:

Sergei Ivanovich was constantly nervous at work. Even at home, he could not completely retire from business. In his mind he was official place. He kept thinking about how to cope with the work, how to improve the work, how more money earn money to feed his family.

And as a result, he earned at first chronic fatigue. And after an ulcer.

From these two examples it is clear that stress has a negative effect.

Here is a list of consequences the effect of stress on a person:

1. Human energy under the influence of stress decreases, fatigue appears. Forces are depleted, and there is a feeling that you don’t want to do anything. There is no strength to successfully cope with the work.

2. The emotional sphere suffers, mood decreases, depressive thoughts appear. A person begins to concentrate on the bad, and this leads to the fact that the bad only intensifies. And it turns out a vicious circle, from which you need to get out with the help of liberation from negative emotions.

3. Physical health fails. Chronic diseases are exacerbated or new ones appear, such as hypertension, diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart disease, and many others. Stress also increases the risk of developing cancer.

4. A person under the influence of stress can get better. This is because food begins to perform a protective function, stress seizing occurs and naturally this does not affect your figure in the best way.

How to get rid of the influence of stress?

There are many ways to relieve stress. In this article we will focus on the easiest and most enjoyable.

1. Baths with sea ​​salt or essential oils.

Especially good to take after work. Helps to relax and relieve stress.

2. Walks in the fresh air.

Well calm and put thoughts in order. In addition, they help improve health.

3. Hike to your favorite fitness club.

An excellent stress reliever. So don't neglect physical activity. Sign up for dancing or yoga. And if you can’t go to a sports club, do it at home.

4. Relaxation.

A widely known and recommended way to relax the mind and body. To implement it, it is enough to turn on a pleasant calm music to sit comfortably and relax. To make it more pleasant, you can also visualize pleasant pictures during the session. For example, the seashore, or a walk in the forest.