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Effects Of Stress Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are distressful for some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional responses as illustrated by the following list of some 50 common signs and symptoms of stress. 1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain 2. Gritting, grinding teeth 3. Stuttering or stammering 4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands 5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms 6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness 7. Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds 8. Frequent blushing, sweating 9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet 10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing 11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores 12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps" 13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks 14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea 15. Excess belching, flatulence 16. Constipation, diarrhea 17. Difficulty breathing, sighing 18. Sudden attacks of panic 19. Chest pain, palpitations 20. Frequent urination 21. Poor sexual desire or performance 22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness 23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility 24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings 25. Increased or decreased appetite 26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams 27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts 28. Trouble learning new information 29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion 30. Difficulty in making decisions. 31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed. 32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts 33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness 34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality 35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping 36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess 37. Overreaction to petty annoyances 38. Increased number of minor accidents 39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior 40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity 41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work 42. Rapid or mumbled speech 43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness 44. Problems in communication, sharing 45. Social withdrawal and isolation 46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue 47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs 48. Weight gain or loss without diet 49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use 50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying As demonstrated in the above list, stress can have wide ranging effects on emotions, mood and behavior. Equally important but often less appreciated are effects on various systems, organs and tissues all over the body, as illustrated by the following diagram. There are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. In fact, it's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected (see stress effects on the body stress diagram) or. This list will undoubtedly grow as the extensive ramifications of stress are increasingly being appreciated. Additional information is available at Current and Past Stress Scoops, Current and Past Newsletters and elsewhere on www.stress.org Links to sites with additional information on the effects of stress include: * www.nimh.nih.gov -- National Institute of Mental Health * www.nami.org -- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (800-950-6264) * www.nmha.org -- National Mental Health Association * www.amtamassage.org -- American Massage Therapy Association * www.cognitivetherapynyc.com -- American Institute for Cognitive Therapy * www.aabt.org -- Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy (800-685-AABT) * www.psych.org -- The American Psychiatric Association (888-357-7924) * www.psychologicalscience.org -- The American Psychological Society * www.naswdc.org -- The National Association of Social Workers * www.apna.org -- The American Psychiatric Nurses Association * www.aacap.org -- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry * www.cmhc.com -- Mental Health Net (800-528-9025) * www.mentalhealth.com -- Encyclopedia of mental health information * www.tm.org -- Transcendental Meditation (888-532-7686) * www.wildmind.org -- Meditation techniques * www.meditationcenter.com -- Meditation techniques * www.4therapy.com/consumer/assessment/taketest.php?&uniqueid=19& -- Find a therapist * www.4therapy.com/consumer/assessment/taketest.php -- Assess stress levels http://www.stress.org/topic-effects.htm |