Stress is the state of anxiety as it is expressed in the body. It is a response to stressors in the environment in the present or past or anticipation of the future. Basically, it is a learned response to events and can also be unlearned.
When people experience stress, numerous bodily symptoms occur. Respiration may become rapid; a person may perspire; breathing may become slow or irregular--in some cases people may hyper-ventilate. The body may become tense; some people may complain of headaches or upset stomachs. Sleep may be disturbed; nightmares may increase. Sometimes more serious physical problems may occur with sustained stress such as ulcers, heart problems and high blood pressure or strokes. Frequently close relationships are negatively impacted in prolonged stress.
To fully explore stress, it is important to look at the varying types of stress, the precipitators of this stress, and ways that individuals may learn a different way to handle their problems.
Severe stress may be post-traumatic stress. Sometimes veterans may experience this because of a war. Others who have been in extreme situations as natural disasters, hostage or kidnap or abuse situations, may similarly respond. This particular stress response may not be immediately experienced, however, may be experienced one, five or even ten years after the upsetting events. Such individuals need on-going counseling to assist them in dealing with these issues. Medication can sometimes be useful. Insight meditation is often helpful in these situations.
More commonly stress may be precipitated by stressors such as divorce, job change, financial problems, birth of a child, loss of a close family member or friend. This is the kind of stress that most people think of. Of course in these situations, it is important both to seek counseling as well as learn other ways to assist the body in not tensing up and impacting one's physical health. Often times, in addition to therapy, such individuals are helped through support groups, relaxation tapes, frequent exercise, a healthy diet. Sometimes medication can be useful.
Finally there are what I will call "stress junkies" who thrive, or appear to thrive in a constant state of adrenaline that is not necessary to the particular job or function. These people approach a new project with "over-kill". It's like bringing in a huge tractor to mow a small lawn. The degree of anxiety they may bring to tasks is beyond what is needed to complete the task. Frequently this kind of anxiety or stress can be a symptom of other issues such as low self- esteem or be indicative of early family of origin problems, such as coming from an alcoholic family.
No matter what kind of stress you are experiencing, it is possible to decrease its impact on your life. I can assess your particular situation and together we can make a plan to best approach your particular stress issue.
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