Psychological Stress

Eighth Post

1. Psychological stress is continually related to emotional and psychological disorders. Stressful situations, whether long term or short term, can set forward a series of emotional symptoms such as a feeling of personality breakdown, fear, worry attacks, unfocussed attention or diversion, overstated emotional responses and psychological upset such as depression, confusion and burnout.

2. Psychological stress refers to the emotional and physiological reactions experienced when an individual confronts a situation in which the demands go beyond their coping resources[1].

3. Under continual psychological stress, an individual suffers from spiritual riots within himself. These disturbances in emotional and psychological health may cause or make worse disorders, which can stop life on its track. Studies shows as much as 50 to 80 per cent of all the complaints treated by physicians (medical doctors) are psychosomatic ailments resulting from psychological stress[2].

4. The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones, such as epinephrine, also called adrenaline and cortisol, also called hydrocortisone. Adrenaline is used by the body as a turbo boost of energy which can change the biochemistry within the body, notably the blood. This condition is known as the 'fight or flight' response which has helped man gone to fight or run away from dangerous animals or enemies[3].

5. The body produces these stress hormones to help a person react to a situation with more speed and strength. Excessive produced of stress hormones however, will increase blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Small amounts of stress are believed to be beneficial, but chronic, persisting or progressing over a long period of time, high levels of stress are thought to be harmful[4].

6. Early signs of psychological stress include sleep disturbances, stomach problems, trouble in concentration, irritability, headache, low morale, and poor affairs with family members and friends. These signs are simple to distinguish, but without proper management, they can develop into severe health risks like cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions and psychological disorders[5].

6. The biggest problem with psychological stress however is that the average person cannot identify psychological stress let alone trace it back to a source. This is why some form of counselling or group sessions can help but many people are reluctant to do this because they feel uncomfortable admitting something is wrong[6].

7. Other than spiritual techniques such as meditation and prayer, psychological stress can also be overcome by exercise, relaxation, time management, consultation, social support network and living a healthy lifestyles.

Reference;
[1] Venes D, Thomas C, editors. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 19th ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis Company, 2001
[2] Spiritual and psychological stress, http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/psychology/stress/psychological-stress.asp
[3] Stress Management – how do you deal with your daily stress levels ?, http://stressmanagementreview.com/
[4] Segerstrom S, Miller G. Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin 2004; 130(4): 601–630.
[5] Stress-related and psychological disorders, http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress/scale.htm
[6] What is Psychological Stress?, http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Psychological-Stress?&id=512856