How stress affects a person?

The contents

What is stress, its symptoms and causes

The effects of stress on physical health

The effects of stress on mental health

The use of stress to the body

Some people think that they never experienced stress. In fact it is not. Every situation, which knocked the man off balance, can be called stressful. Doctors believe that stress is a natural and quite expected reaction to external stimuli that provokes changes in psychoemotional sphere. Today we will examine what might be the causes of stress and how it affects the physical and mental sides of the body.

What is stress, its symptoms and causes

You need to understand that stress is not unique to humans and it is connected not only with nervous tension. Stress feel even animals without nervous system. And it is not always the consequence of any damage, mental or physical. ??Stress can absolutely obtain in any situation. Even in the one in which you repeatedly got. For example, a person may feel sudden and excessive joy, to play computer games, just perform their job duties in the office and still get the stress. Stress can be perceived as uncomfortable and lead to disturbances in the body, which will be called distress.

The symptoms and signs of stress include the following:

  • The expansion of the coronary arteries;
  • Palpitations;
  • The contraction of the blood vessels in the lungs;
  • Rapid rhythm of metabolism;
  • The expansion of the bronchial tract;
  • The lack of oxygen;
  • Increase in blood pressure;
  • The complicated process of swallowing;
  • Reduced amount of saliva;
  • Increased blood sugar;
  • Enhanced secretion of hydrochloric acid that can cause ulcers;
  • The contraction of skeletal muscles that causes headaches, back pain and fatigue;
  • The increase in body temperature;
  • Reducing the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to hypertension.


Most often, stress motivates people to increased productivity. For example, it may be noticeable during exam preparation or when approaching deadlines for projects at work. In a sense, stress can be useful to humans, as it is an incentive to commit more. But the distress leads to disastrous consequences. So the main thing in this matter is not to overdo and not to drive myself in such a state.

The effects of stress on physical health

Of course, all doctors in one voice say — stress has a negative effect on the person. Quite often, it affects not only emotional state but also on physical health. Consider the most common problems that can occur during times of stress.

So, a person rises in blood sugar levels. Glucose the right person as a source of energy that helps activate the body’s defenses. At constant stress, the risk of developing diabetes.

Secondly, people are experiencing a drastic reduction of the thymus gland. It is part of the human immune system and is responsible for the production of white blood cells. Too frequent and uncontrollable contraction of the organ will lead to the fact that they will not be developed. And this, in turn, will reduce the level of protection of the body against all diseases.


Thirdly, a person involuntarily tense muscles. Regular such a reaction may occur the violation of muscle cells and tissues that make up organs.

Fourth, the diameter of the capillaries is markedly increased. If you experience too much stress, they can burst. This will trigger the appearance of hematoma, bruising, excessive paleness of skin, blood circulation of tissues and organs.

Also, a person reduced bone density. The probability of fractures and other problems. There is pain in the joints and bones.

During times of stress frequent heart attacks, as it can cause problems with the cardiovascular system. In humans, increased pressure, cholesterol, heart rate.

Possible even problems with the gastrointestinal tract. For example, stress can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Stress affects the reproductive system. The man is reduced libido, which can cause problems in a couple.

Finally, during stress, the cells begin to produce toxins that are not excreted naturally. They accumulate in the body and slowly poison the body.

The effects of stress on mental health

Of course, stress is inevitably associated with psychosomatic health of the person. Most often people begin the unjustified attacks of aggression, anger and irritability. That there are problems with relatives, friends and colleagues. ??Often produces mood swings. If you five minutes ago, laughed, and are now ready to weep with helplessness, you have something to think about. ??Under stress a person loses interest in life, loses efficiency, it doesn’t have enough strength to even ordinary things he used to do vlegkuyu. Frequent sleep disturbances. It can be as insomnia at night, and the desire to lie down in a warm bed in the middle of the day.

Stresswise man loses confidence in himself, he having hypochondria, neurosis, headaches. Chronic diseases in such times may worsen, not curable. Often develop hormonal disruptions. All of the above problems can substantially increase the risk of cancer on the background of a constantly oppressed psychosomatic condition.

The use of stress to the body

How would it not sound paradoxical, but stress can be useful to humans. Experts call the two positive qualities of this state. ??First, it increases the production of adrenaline. Due to the emotional shake-up. Accordingly, people can cheer up and do something more active and perform their tasks extremely efficiently. It will say that the person is ready to deal with the stress that he encountered.

Second, under stress people can reach out to others and begin to solve them with warm contacts. Because quite often such people seek support from family and friends. As long as it is not alienated.