The health dangers of stress

EVERYONE experiences stress from time to time, and while it may not be possible to avoid stress, we should learn proper management techniques since it can affect our health and well-being.

According to psychiatrist Dr Roger Roberts, most people are aware of the negative emotions and at times change in behaviour associated with stress, but may not be aware that stress can harm the body physically.

“When one encounters stressful situations, the body produces hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) which may be useful to us. However, if one is unable to deal with the stress effectively, the body remains exposed to high levels of stress hormones for a prolonged period, which negatively affects health and well-being,” he said.

Dr Roberts added that many studies have shown that stress, particularly chronic stress, is associated with many health problems.

According to the psychiatrist, some of the more common health problems associated with stress include:

1. Obesity

Dr Roberts said stress hormones, particularly cortisol, cause increase in weight and to make the situation worse, cortisol tends to cause excessive amounts of fat to be stored in your abdomen, leading to a large belly. “Many people may find a large belly unattractive but apart from the body image issues, a large belly is associated with significant health risks even more than fat stored elsewhere in the body,” he said.

2. Cardiovascular diseases

“People with high levels of stress are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes,” Dr Roberts said. He added that stress negatively affects the heart and the blood vessels, which may lead to high blood pressure. The psychiatrist explained that stress may cause cholesterol as well as blood sugar levels to increase . “Increased blood sugars may put one at risk for diabetes (type 2) and affects the control of those who already suffer from the condition,” he said. Dr Roberts said it is important to note that many risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, for example heart attacks and strokes, are associated with chronic stress and include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and substance use — smoking and alcohol consumption.

3. Gastrointestinal problems

The psychiatrist said it was once believed that stress caused peptic ulcers, but more recent research suggests that stress does not cause ulcers, but may cause pre-existing ones to act up. “Stress is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (commonly known as heartburn) as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),” he said.

4. Sex and reproductive problems

Dr Roberts said one may lose his or her sex drive when stressed, but acute stress in men may cause an increase in testosterone, which leads to an increased sex drive. He pointed out that chronic stress may lead to low sperm count and erectile dysfunction, while women can experience reproductive health problems when exposed to chronic stress including amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation), irregular menses and painful periods.

5. Headaches

According to Dr Roberts, many people only realise that they are stressed when they begin to have a headache. “Stress is indeed one of the most common triggers for migraines and tension headaches,” he said.

6. Weakened immune system

“People who experience chronic stress are more prone to a variety of infections including the flu and other viral infections. Additionally, they may take a much longer time to recover when they get sick,” Dr Roberts said. He explained that the reason for this is the fact that stress, particularly chronic stress, compromises the immune system.

7. Mental health problems

Dr Roberts said chronic stress is associated with high levels of depression and anxiety disorders. Additionally, he said significant stress plays an important role in the onset and the relapse of many mental disorders.

The psychiatrist maintained that stress, particularly chronic stress, negatively affects the body and the mind, so it is important that everyone learns how to manage stress.

“If one is unable to manage, he or she should seek help from a counsellor/therapist who will likely be able to help. Managing stress may lead to a healthier, happier and perhaps a longer life.”