Stress

Stress: The Potential Killer of Man

Stress is a growing problem in today's world, and Dr. Otufale explores its causes, effects, and how to manage it.

Causes of Stress:

Globally man is increasingly in stress. Unemployment, rising crime levels, insecure job tenure, fuel crisis, traffic hassles, accommodation issues etc all factored into stress. Others like school fees, family feeding & clothing , family maintenance, in- laws demand, wife demands, aged parents expenses, social bills , community demands, neighbors stress etc and man thus digs his early grave unless he creatively manages d challenges.

What is Stress?

Stress is a mood swing triggered by unpleasant situations. It can also be a state of the body caused by events or a change in life circumstances. Stress disrupts mental and physical wellbeing.

Types of Stress:

Internal stress comes from our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings.
External stress comes from outside events like work, relationships, finances, and health.

Symptoms of Stress:

Stress can be contagious. Living or working with someone who is stressed can make you stressed too.
Stress manifests physically when the body is pushed beyond its limits or when there's a mismatch between perceived demands and ability to cope. This can lead to wear and tear on the body.
Stress can trigger a fight-or-flight response when faced with a challenge.
How you deal with stress depends on your genetics, social support, coping skills, and determination.

Health Responses to Stress:

When our body faces demands or pressures, it triggers a natural stress response. This response includes:
Increased stress hormones:
Cortisol: This hormone activates the "fight-or-flight" response, preparing your body to handle threats. However, chronically high cortisol weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Norepinephrine: This hormone mobilizes glucose for energy, but it also elevates blood sugar and cholesterol. This can thicken your blood and strain your heart, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes.
Increased bodily functions:
Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate all rise to meet the perceived challenge.
Digestive problems:
Prolonged stress can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Other Effects of Stress:

Physical effects include muscle tension, headaches, and pain.
Emotional effects include difficulty maintaining relationships, fear, anger, irritability, hopelessness, and short temper. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts.
Behavioral effects include smoking, drinking, crying, social withdrawal, aggression, and hostility.
Intellectual and social effects include lack of concentration, poor memory, loss of sense of humor, and social isolation.
Spiritual effects include difficulty coping with life's changes and questioning the meaning of existence. Stress can also accelerate aging.

Coping with Stress:

Lower your expectations and accept things you cannot control.
Reduce expenses and find ways to generate happiness.
Define your relationships in terms of how they add value to your life. Cut off negative people.
Learn to say no, delegate tasks, and manage your time effectively.
Ask for help when needed, take responsibility for situations, and engage in problem-solving.
Maintain healthy self-esteem and express your emotions constructively.
Avoid corruption, financial crimes, and unhealthy habits.
Develop a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

Managing Stress:

Identify your stress triggers and keep a journal to track your stress levels and symptoms.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.
Listen to music, write in a journal, and spend time in nature.
Plan your day and seek support from others who understand your experience.
Practice good sleep hygiene.

When to Seek Help:

If you experience a decline in work performance, excessive anxiety, substance abuse, or an inability to cope with daily life, irrational fears, obsessive thoughts, significant changes in sleep or eating habits, physical ailments, suicidal thoughts, or social withdrawal, seek professional help.
By understanding stress and implementing these coping mechanisms, you can live a healthier and happier life.