Stress Treatment ... Anxiety, Depression, Stress

Stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand placed on it. Stress can create feelings of conflict and/or anxiety within an individual. Stress can stem from demands people place on themselves or from external situations.

Some stress is easily identified, such as increased financial responsibilities; while other stress, such as feeling that you must earn peer acceptance, may go undetected. If stress is not identified and resolved, it can progressively deteriorate the bodies ability to function.

Stress Facts and Statistics

Symptoms of Stress

Common Causes of Stress

Stress Facts and Statistics

75% of the general population experiences at least "some stress" every two weeks (National Health Interview Survey).

Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two-week period.

Millions of Americans suffer from unhealthy levels of stress at work. (A study several years ago estimated the number to be 11 million--given events since that time, this number has certainly more than tripled--studies in Sweden, Canada, and other Westernized countries show similar trends.)

Worker's compensation claims for "mental stress" in California rose 200-700% in the 1980s (whereas all other causes remained stable or declined!)

Stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses in many individuals.

Stress also affects the immune system, which protects us from many serious diseases.

Stress also contributes to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction, and other harmful behaviors.

Stress in society is so prevalent that the U.S. Public Health Service has made reducing stress one of its major health promotion goals.

See more information on Depression Treatments, Anxiety Treatments, Stress Treatment

Stress Symptons

Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to have a medical physician treat any other physical disorders that may be present. Remember, however, that the body and mind are not separate entities. The physical problems outlined below may result from or be exacerbated by stress:

Sleep disturbances
Back, shoulder or neck pain
Tension or migraine headaches
Upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome
Constipation, diarrhoea
Weight gain or loss, eating disorders
Hair loss
Muscle tension
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
Asthma or shortness of breath
Chest pain
Sweaty palms or hands
Cold hands or feet
Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)
Periodontal disease, jaw pain
Reproductive problems
Immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections
Growth inhibition

Relational Symptoms
The antisocial behavior displayed in stressful situations can cause the rapid deterioration of relationships with family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers. A person under stress may manifest signs such as:

Increased arguments
Isolation from social activities
Conflict with co-workers or employers
Frequent job changes
Road rage
Domestic or workplace violence
Overreactions

Severe stress reactions that persist for long periods of time and recur without warning after a traumatic event or even after an intense experience such as an accident, hospitalization, or loss, may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

See more information on Depression Treatments, Anxiety Treatments, Stress Treatment

Common Causes of Stress

Except for major catastrophes, few events are stressful in themselves. Stress arises when you perceive a situation as threatening. For example, your morning commute may make you anxious and tense because you worry that traffic will make you late. Others, however, may find the trip relaxing because they allow more than enough time and enjoy listening to music while they drive.

Stress is often associated with situations that you find difficult to handle. How you view things also affects your stress level. If you have very high expectations, chances are you'll experience more than your fair share of stress.

Stress can be linked to external factors such as:

The state of the world, the country, or any community to which you belong
Unpredictable events
The environment in which you live or work
Work itself
Family

Stress can also come from your own: