Stress is an inevitable part of human life and we all feel stress at some point in time. While our coping to stress response might be different, but when it becomes overwhelming, the risks of mental and medical problems increase. So, do you want to know the impact of stress on mental health? Read on.
Brief Overview: Understanding Stress And Its Various Types
Stress is not just a fleeting emotion that can pass over with time. Neither, it is a one-size-fit concept, that makes everyone handling stressful situations react similarly. Stress is one topic that needs to be addressed, keeping in mind the bustling world.Â
However, stress causes no harm and is normal to happen in our daily lives, especially when we respond to situations that we find threatening or dangerous. But, if you feel stressed over a long time or you continue to feel overwhelmed, then, it might be because it is affecting your mental health.Â
Stress is generally of three types and each of them needs to be addressed and treated differently to overcome it:
Acute Stress
Acute Episodical Stress
Chronic Stress
As the best adolescent and child psychiatrists in Kolkata, I can say that stress can cause mental problems to anyone, irrespective of their age. And, probably that is why, suicide rates in India are increasing day by day.Â
What we fail to understand is that stress is no illness or taboo that cannot be publically discussed. Seeking help takes a lot of courage and patience. So, if you ever feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. You can visit me at our clinic of the best psychiatry in Dumdum, for I can help you decode its root cause, and give you ways to reduce stress levels.
So, are you ready to discover the impact of stress on mental health?
Delve into the details of this blog to find out the various intrigues of stress. Keep Reading!
What Is The Impact Of Stress On Mental Health?
As a psychiatrist with years of experience, I can tell you that stress is not just confined to the mind, the effects of stress largely impact both our physical and mental health. But, it takes a deeper toll on our cognitive and emotional well-being. Which in turn, harms our physical health as well.Â
Long-term stress includes:
Anxiety or nervousness
Depression
Substance Abuse
Impacted Sleeping Patterns
Muscle Tension, Cramps, or Stiffness
Body Pain
Here, I have mentioned a few of the impact of stress on mental health that can range from mild to severe if not treated in time. So, let's find out.
1) Stress Affects Psychological Health
Do you find it difficult to cope with stress?
Well, that must be one of the reasons for sudden mood swings, irritation, or flashes of anger that manifest the symptoms of stress. Stress hormones when released in excess can send signals to your brain to react in a certain way which can also cause severe issues with health conditions.
Some of them are:
Insomnia - It is one type of sleep disorder, that causes sleeping problems. We can only sleep well when our body and mind are in full relaxation. Therefore, stress may cause sleep disturbances like insomnia.
Exhaustion Or Fatigue -Â The psychological effects of stress can make you easily exhausted while doing your daily chores. It might result in headaches, body pains, or chest pain that can hamper your normal being.
2) Stress Causes Behavioral Changes
As I have already mentioned, that stress and mental health are interconnected. Therefore, recognizing the cause of stress is crucial to detect and manage stress. So, if you find sudden changes in your behavior that are not improving over time then you need a proper stress management session to go back to your normal life.
Lack Of Interest -Â Stress can make your life monotonous and can withdraw you from your friends and family. You might find it difficult to enjoy doing things that earlier used to interest you.
Impulsive Behavior -Â You might also react differently to situations that include bursts of anger, aggression, or even violence.
Decreased Productivity - You might also experience less motivation to be productive at school or work. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also affect your work performance.
3) Physical Signs Of Stress
The connection between mind and body is undeniable that is why our body reacts differently during stressful events. Our mind prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ reaction when stress hormones are released.Â
While our bodies are prepared to handle small stressful situations, we are not well-prepared to handle prolonged stress, which often leads to physical illnesses like -
Difficulty in breathing due to anxiety disorder
High blood pressure due to panic attacks
Blurred eyesightÂ
Migraine and headaches
Muscle aches, cramps, and stiffness
Chest Pain
Digestive problems, heartburn
Low energy
Cold and cough
Loss of sexual desires
Difficulty in swallowing food
How Can I Reduce And Manage Stress?
The impact of stress on mental health cannot be identified by just looking at a person under stress or pressure, but it needs personalized attention, care, and treatment to manage stress.
So, if you are someone who is dealing with some or the other above mental or physical symptoms of stress, then, try to identify what triggers your stress level and to what amount. Here, I have mentioned a few of the basic approaches to managing stress:
1) Start A Healthy Diet
Junk food often causes digestive problems that can trigger more stress, therefore, you must avoid outside food and start taking homemade healthy foods to minimize the risk of increasing stress.Â
Incorporating green vegetables, salads, and yogurt into your diet can help you calm your nerves as well.
2) Get Plenty Of Sleep
Incomplete sleep can make you aggressive and lethargic throughout the day which can actually deteriorate your mental health conditions over time. That is why, you should have at least 8 hours of peaceful sleep so that your mind functions properly throughout the day.
To develop a good sleeping pattern, you must keep your electronic devices away from your bed and reduce your screen time before sleeping. You can also intake a glass of warm milk to relax your mind before sleeping.
3) Excercise And Yoga
Indulging in physical activities like regular yoga sessions or exercises can help you stay active and motivated. Which in return, reduces stress hormones and safeguards your well-being.
4) Refrain From Consuming Alcohol, Tobacco, Or Drugs
You must already know that intoxicating consumption of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco affects the brain and increases the risk of stress, as soon as the effects of intoxication wear off.Â
While you might feel a little relaxed and confident after a drink, its effect is not long-term. The chemical change in your brain can cause more severe mental problems that can lead to more negative feelings. Thus, you must reduce alcohol or tobacco consumption to get relief from stress.
Conclusion
The effects of chronic stress are not only life-threatening but also self-destructive. That is why, you must understand the importance and impact of stress on mental health to mitigate it from growing into a prolonged disease.Â
Remember, caring for yourself is the first little step towards achieving a stress-free life, and if you ever feel the need for expert help, then I, the best psychiatrist in Kolkata am ready to help you cope with stress to make your life resilient and healthy like before again.