Stress

Final Project Topic: Stress

Marilyn Evans

HCA 250

May 17, 2015

Beatrice Coulombe

Final Project Topic: Stress

According to the American Psychological Association, health psychologists help patients manage chronic disease and avoid preventable diseases by incorporating psychological theory and research to develop methods to assist patients in maintaining healthy lifestyles (Uyemura, B, 2011). Health psychologists attempt to boost the quality of life of people and get them feeling like they have more purpose. Health psychologists try to treat patients without medications if they can. Coaching patients with chronic illnesses into using relaxation techniques to help ease pains, stress and anxiety is just a few of the various treatments that they use.

Stress is triggered by situations that are perceived as unpleasant or bothersome. Stressful situations can affect our bodies both physically and mentally. Stress does, however, also place us in a state of alertness so we can react quickly to new and unfamiliar environmental stimuli. Blood pressure, pulse, muscle tension, respiration, blood clotting and cholesterol and sugar levels all rise under stress. In proper measure, it can have a positive effect and encourage personal development. Stresses that last too long, however, lead to permanent tension and place stress on the cardiovascular system.

An individual experiences a fight-or-flight response when there is more for them to worry about and handle than usual (in other words, when you are stressed). During this reaction, the body produces more hormones that will speed up your heart rate, give you a burst of energy, and make you breathe faster than normal. There are times when a little bit of stress could be a good thing. For instance, if you are trying to win a race or finish work that is important to you on time. Excessive stress for long periods of time, however, will more than likely negatively affect your body. Too much of the bad kind of stress can cause headaches, back pain, sleeping issues, and an upset stomach. Stress can weaken the immune system; thus, making it harder for your body to fight off disease. If you have an already existing medical issue, stress can make it worse. Stress has also caused many people to not do as well with their school or job, as well as having their personal relationships suffer.

Stress can impact a person’s psychological health along with their physical health. Stress impairs the thought process, causes mental exhaustion, depression, psychoses, and some neuroses. People who are stressed often feel pressured, overwhelmed, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, insecurity, and can have panic attacks, social withdrawal, and migraines. When your psychological health becomes affected by stress, it can affect anything that you are doing, such as your job, parenting, and school work.  “At some point in their lives, virtually everyone will experience stressful events or situations that overwhelm their natural coping mechanisms. Some people are simply biologically prone to stress. Many outside factors influence susceptibility as well. People respond to stress differently, depending on different factors: Early nurturing: People who were abused in childhood may have long-term abnormalities in the hypothalamus-pituitary system, which regulates stress. Personality traits: Certain people have personality traits that cause them to over-respond to stressful events. For example, those who are neurotic may get stressed more easily and turn to dangerous behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking as a result. Being more outgoing and aware of the world may improve a person's response to stress by lowering levels of stress-related inflammatory hormones. Genetic factors: Some people have genetic factors that affect stress, such as having a more or less efficient relaxation response. Immune regulated diseases: Certain diseases that are associated with immune abnormalities (such as rheumatoid arthritis or eczema) may weaken the response to stress. The length and quality of stressors: The longer the duration and the more intense the stressors, the more harmful the effects.” (Unknown, 2013). People with anxiety disorders, such as myself, find it harder to eliminate stress in their lives.