subject: When Stress Is A Danger To Health [print this page] At some points in life, all individuals are likely to suffer periods of stress or anxiety, but at what stage does it become a danger to your health?
Psychotherapists from the University of Bologna have developed the theory of allostatic load, which is a reflector of the cumulative effects of stressful experiences in daily life. They believe that when an individual experiences chronic exposure to stress over a prolonged period, resources for coping are exceeded, and an allostatic overload ensues. A small amount of stress can be good for us, but the accumulation of various stresses can seriously affect our health.
Primary symptoms of stress appear small, though increased exposure to stress has been proven to increase the risk of more serious health problems. It has been established that chronic stress and an over active nervous system do indeed effect the health of the sufferer. Symptoms such as headaches and a weakened immune system can develop into more serious conditions.
Hair loss, diabetes, obesity, heart problems and even cancer are thought to be influenced by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are small chemical messengers made by the body. Too many of these cytokines are bad news for the body as their main role is to cause changes and inflammation in cells and blood vessels.
Stress can have such an impact that in extreme cases sufferers can experience what is known as a nervous breakdown. While in this state everyday functions become impracticable as the person cannot adapt to their changing surroundings. More common though, are minor psychological illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders such as GAD. GAD, or Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a chronic problem with symptoms including excessive and unrealistic anxiety about a simple situation which has been blown out of proportion, and constant worry about day-to-day activities.
It has been estimated that as many as 90% of visits to the doctor involve symptoms that are at least partially stress-related, proving that in large doses, stress can be a significant danger to your health.
