What is Stress?
The concept of stress, commonly associated with psychological tension, has been a part of human existence for ages. As humanity has evolved over time, so too have the factors that induce stress. From the past to the present, how people experience stress is closely tied to their perception of the stressor. Consequently, stress is a variable concept, differing from person to person.
To define and comprehend stress, which has become an integral part of our daily lives, numerous researchers have sought to answer the question, “What is stress?” According to Hans Selye, one of the pioneering scientists in stress research, stress is the general response of an individual to various environmental stimuli. Doğan Cüceloğlu defines stress as “the effort exerted by an individual beyond their physical and psychological limits due to incompatible conditions in the physical and social environment.” Stressors encompass major events like traumas, natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, as well as challenges in professional life, economic conditions, and life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, and everyday hassles like losing an item or being late.
What are the Symptoms of Stress?
The symptoms of stress, triggered by stressors from the environment, manifest in four distinct areas within the body. Excessive stress amplifies these symptoms, impacting individuals more significantly. Excessive stress expresses itself through physical, mental, emotional, and social symptoms.
Physical Symptoms:
- Aches (back, head, muscle pain)
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, constipation, colitis, indigestion)
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of energy
Mental Symptoms:
- Weakening of memory
- Concentration difficulties
- Confusion and indecision
Emotional Symptoms:
- Feelings of anxiety
- Outbursts of anger
- Sudden mood swings
- Heightened sensitivity
Social Symptoms:
- Distrust of others
- Tendency to blame and shame
- Resentment
What Causes Stress?
While stress is often associated with negative circumstances (e.g., job loss, divorce), it’s important to note that new beginnings (e.g., starting a new job) and positive life changes (e.g., marriage) can also be sources of stress. Stress is closely linked to an individual’s psychological resilience and their perception of events. The causes of stress stem from an individual’s reactions to internal and external changes, making it impossible to provide a single answer to the question, “What causes stress?”
As life unfolds, constant change is the norm, and individuals strive to adapt to these environmental, physical, and psychological shifts. In moments of perceived danger or when control over events seems lost, the body releases stress hormones, facilitating the management and adaptation to stressful situations. However, for individuals who struggle to regain balance after such experiences, this effort can sometimes lead to mental fatigue.
Physiological and Psychological Effects of Stress
Stress plays a pivotal role in the physical and psychological well-being of individuals, causing various physiological and psychological effects. Mental alertness triggered by events perceived as dangerous ultimately transforms into physical arousal, with physical reactions and their effects on the body following suit.
Cardiovascular Diseases:
During stressful episodes, heart rate and blood flow in veins accelerate to provide the body with extra energy. Consequently, the most significant diseases associated with stress are cardiovascular diseases.
Chronic Pain:
Stress hormones, released during stressful moments, have an impact on the immune system. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, an immune system-related condition, cause persistent body pain. It has been observed that individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions such as fibromyalgia syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis experience heightened pain during stressful periods.
Immune System:
Stress exerts a detrimental influence on the immune system. Individuals with autoimmune disorders experience increased discomfort during stressful periods.
Digestive System:
Excessive stress disrupts the balance of the digestive system, leading to stomach and intestinal disorders.
Psychological Stress Responses:
Stress is intrinsically linked to psychological health. Among its effects are depression and anxiety, which negatively impact an individual’s mental well-being.
Individuals face a plethora of negative effects on both their physical and mental health due to excessive stress. Additionally, daily life is affected in various ways, including sleep disorders, eating disturbances, disruptions in sexual life, increased accidents, decreased work efficiency, and strained social relationships.
