Signs & Symptoms of the Response to Stress

The American Heritage Dictionary defines stress as a pressure or a tension. Although many people automatically associate stress with mental or psychological events, perceived, imagined or real, stress can also have a physical root. Athletes' muscles experience stress when they are over-used. The American Institute of Stress reports that stress has increased over the years for a variety of reasons including growing job-related pressure for adults. For children and teenagers, stress has grown as well. The signs and symptoms of stress are broad.

Insomnia

• Stress can make it difficult for a person to fall or remain asleep. This condition is known as insomnia or sleeplessness. Each person requires a certain amount of sleep to be fully alert and to function at high levels during the day. The average person needs eight to nine hours of sleep a night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the body goes through four stages of sleep during the night. Insomnia prevents the body and mind from completing all four stages of sleep including periods of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM). Additionally, sleep is a restorative function that positively impacts the immune system, it regulates the ghrelin and leptin hormones that impact the appetite. Insomnia can lead to more than lethargy and extreme fatigue, it can also lead to weight gain. If you have experienced insomnia for a week or longer it is advisable that you talk to your physician so you can begin to enjoy a good night's rest.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation reports that 1 in 50 adults in the United States has an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The disease manifests after a person connects stress with a specific event or habit and begins to try to lower or get rid of the stress sensations related to the event by engaging in repetitive actions or rituals. OCD might also be related to lowered levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps a person deal with stress. If you had OCD, you might wash your hands 10-20 times in the morning or as long as it takes for stress sensations to lower. Common fears associated with OCD are fear of germs, contamination, fear of losing control, hurting another person or a fear of not being perfect. If left untreated, heightened levels of stress can increase or worsen OCD. The stress related disease is treatable with cognitive behavior therapy and some medications. The sooner OCD is recognized and treated, the earlier a person can reduce stress levels in healthy ways and experience relief.

Weight Fluctuations

• Significant weight gain or loss is another response to heightened and prolonged levels of stress. Foods that produce serotonin might be desired to the point that your appetite for the food feels like a strong urge, according to "Food & Mood" by dietitian Elizabeth Somer. Foods that have been reported as helping to raise serotonin levels include chocolate, carbohydrates and cottage cheese. People call these dishes "comfort" food. Serotonin is a chemical that transmits signals to nerve cells in the brain. If your body has low levels of serotonin and a heightened stress event occurs, you might be find yourself at the refrigerator more than usual. As you eat more, you gain weight. Then you feel guilty for overeating and to feel better again, you return to the refrigerator. It could be your body's way of trying to raise its serotonin levels, Somer said. Significant weight loss can also lower serotonin and cause moodiness or an inability to focus. Getting ample sleep at night, drinking plenty of water, getting outdoors for 20 to 30 minutes a day, exercising regularly and eating a healthy balanced diet can help you to maintain a healthy body weight.

Depression

• According to the Stress, Anxiety and Depression Resource Center, about 20 percent of Americans experience depression. The disease occurs in children, teenagers, adults and elderly persons. There are several types of depression including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Lack of sunshine in the winter can trigger the onset of SAD. Full spectrum lamps that can be purchased from stores can help alleviate discomfort associated with SAD. Other forms of depression include dysthmia, bipolar, postpartum, atypical and holiday depression. Holiday depression occurs when a person associates loss or a sad experience with the holidays. Chronic illness, chemical imbalances, genes and difficulty dealing with stress can trigger depression. Psychotherapy, medications and exposure to sunlight can help to alleviate or eliminate depression. As with any stress-related symptom, as soon as you become aware that you are experiencing depression at its earliest stages, contact your health care provider. Treatments are available to reduce or eliminate discomfort associated with the disease.

Considerations

• Stress is considered to be a natural part of life. At lowered levels, stress can have positive affects, according to the American Institute of Stress. For example, if you have a goal of completing a marathon, that might produce stress. After you complete the race, the stress goes away. Or if you have a project to complete at work, as you complete each step of the project, your confidence raises and stress related to the project lowers. However, if you experience prolonged periods of heightened stress, you might start to manifest signs and symptoms related to stress. If these signs and symptoms continue, your reactions to them can actually increase stress and its impact on your psyche and physical well being. For this reason as soon as you become aware of an inability or difficulty in dealing with stress, contact your physician. Keeping the struggle a secret is not the way toward a cure.