Effects of Stress on the Body: Stress and its Types

Table of Contents
Introduction: Stress (Definition and Types)2
Effects of Stress on Body2
Bodily Effects
Physiological component2
Physical component3
Psychological Effects
Cognitive Symptoms4
Emotional Symptoms4
Behavioral Symptoms5
Long Term Body Effects of Stress5
Conclusion6
References7
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Effects of Stress on the Body
Stress and its Types
Stress is a basic human phenomenon often encountered by the individual in situations where he/she feels threatened or in danger. While the danger may be any, real or imagined, stress may produce coping methods to deal with everyday life situations. Stressors can be randomly related to the individual’s familial, educational, occupational, social, financial, environmental or relational routine. There are 3 different types of stress- acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress. Acute stress is often short-lived and as a result of the immediate event e.g. an argument with a loved one. Episodic-acute stress may occur in Type ‘A’ personalities who tend to worry frequently. They are mainly encountered by negative thoughts thus making it difficult for them to complete their responsibilities. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is long-term, deep-rooted and constant stress that may be a result of continuous and ongoing situations e.g. poverty, fatal disease, abuse or unsatisfactory marital life. Depending on the intensity and duration of stress as well as the individual’s coping style, stress can have adverse effects on the body. These effects are discussed in the following section with relevance to physiology, behavior patterns, cognitive functions, and emotional reactions.
Physiological Effects of Stress
Worry, apprehension, tension, fear, nervousness, anxiety, and panic may all be a cause or result of stress. All these states create an unbalanced level of neurotransmitters or hormones in the body. Stress, mostly, prepares the body for a fight or flight response. As soon as the body encounters perceives or predicts a stressor, the brain’s hypothalamus activates its autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is further sub-divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which are connected to major organs of the body such as the heart, lungs, stomach, extremities, glands and blood vessels. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) acts as the accelerator of the body preparing it to fight for survival. It enhances blood flow to the muscles, increases heart rate, heightens sugar and fat levels and slows down gastric activities. It also boosts mental activity for a better assessment of the stressful situation. The SNS is also responsible for the stimulation of adrenal glands on top of the kidneys which release adrenaline and noradrenaline which also aid in the fight-or-flight responses.
Physical Effects of Stress
Hormones and chemicals of the body when change during stress, also cause bodily symptoms. Stress may cause the body to ache and may be a source of dizziness, nausea, chest pain, flu, cold or headache. Worry and apprehensions may also result in an upset stomach causing constipation or diarrhea. Instant effects of stress can be intense body ...