So what does being stressed really mean? Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. When we are challenged with something, part of our response is physical. The body produces larger quantities of the chemicals cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These trigger an increased heart rate, heightened muscle preparedness, sweating, and alertness. All these factors improve the ability to respond to a hazardous or challenging situation.
Factors of the environment that trigger this reaction are called stressors. Stressors are different for everyone. Some basic stressors are loud noises, aggressive behavior, and speeding cars. For most students in high school some stressors could be going on a first date, taking the SATs, applying to college. “Something that stresses me out the most right now is having to grow up and move out”, said Catherine Milligan. The more stressors experienced, the more stressed you will feel.
Some physical symptoms of stress include, but are not limited to: sweating, sleeping difficulties, eating too much or too little, and headaches. Some emotional symptoms include, but are not limited to: anger, anxiety, fatigue, and sadness.
Everyone experiences stress in some form or another. Acute stress is the most common and is short-term. Acute stress is often caused by thinking about the pressures of events that have recently occurred, or upcoming demands in the near future. Short-term effects include tension headaches and an upset stomach, as well as a moderate amount of distress. It does not cause the same amount of damage as long-term, chronic stress. However, repeated instances of acute stress over a long period can become chronic and harmful. Chronic stress is the most harmful type of stress. It occurs when a person never sees an escape from the cause of stress and stops seeking solutions. Sometimes, it can be caused by a traumatic experience early in life. Chronic stress can continue unnoticed, as people can become used to it, unlike acute stress that is new and often has an immediate solution. It can become part of an individual’s personality, making them constantly prone to the effects of stress regardless of the scenarios they come up against. People with chronic stress are likely to have a final breakdown that can lead to suicide, violent actions, heart attacks, and strokes.
So how can you manage stress? The best way to deal with problems that you're facing is to talk! Talking to someone will not only make you feel like weight has been lifted off your shoulders, but also might surprise you that you aren't the only one. Along with talking comes listening. If a parent, friend, or coworker is worried about you and lets you know how they feel don't get angry at them. Instead listen, because you might not even realize how anxious you really are.
Don't forget to exercise, eat healthy, and take care of yourself. Self care is important!
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