What Is the Effect of Stress? Signs & Symptoms

Effect of Stress

Stress is the body’s response to a situation.

Stress is the body’s response to a situation. It is typically a change in the environment that requires one’s body to react and adjust. These changes evoke physical, mental and emotional reactions in a person. Short-term stress will have no significant impact on the body. Long-term stress may cause various issues. The diseases that often arise due to long-standing stress are called psychosomatic diseases.

The human body can feel stress and react to it. There are two types of stress:

• Eustress: It is positive stress. For example, the body might feel eustress when a person gets a job promotion or given greater responsibilities.
• Distress: It is negative stress that a person faces when exposed to continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. Distress can cause physical symptoms, such as
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Problems sleeping
  • Palpitations

The following are the effects of stress on the body:

• Muscles and joints: According to American Psychological Association, stress can tense the muscle. Stress can cause
  • Pain
  • Tightness
  • Soreness in the muscle
  • Muscle spasm
  • Trismus (locked jaw)
• Additionally, stress can also exacerbate the symptoms of
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia (widespread pain, tenderness and stiffness in the muscles and connective tissues)
• Heart and lungs: Stress can have a significant effect on the heart. For example, when trying hard to meet a deadline at work, the heart rate can increase considerably. Stress can promote the release of the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can worsen any heart or lung conditions, including
  • Heart disease
  • Heart rhythm abnormalities
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
• Skin and hair: Stress can negatively impact skin and hair, causing
  • Acne
  • Hives
  • Itchiness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Hair loss
• Besides, stress can also worsen conditions, such as
  • Eczema
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
• Shoulders, head and jaw: Stress can trigger:
  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Tightness in the neck and jaw
  • Spasms and knots in the neck and shoulders
• Immune system: Stress can lower the body’s immune system. A depressed immune system can result in colds and flu. It can also aggravate autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Mental health: Stress can often set off
  • Depression
  • Anxiety neurosis
  • Panic disorder
  • Phobias
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Stress may also attribute to
  • Eating poorly
  • Lack of interest in any activities
• Gastrointestinal system: Stress can interfere with the brain-gut communication and may trigger
  • Bloating
  • Pain
  • Discomfort in the abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Heartburn
• Stress negatively influences the gut bacteria and can result in various digestion issues. Long-term stress can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.
• Obesity: Excessive cortisol release can lead to overeating or binges. As a result, the body may store fat leading to obesity.
• Reproductive problems: Stress can result in the following issues:
  • Less sexual desire
  • Infertility issues
  • Infections in the reproductive organs
  • Irregular and painful menses
  • Worsen the symptoms of postmenopausal syndrome
  • Hormonal imbalances