Stress Awareness Month – Recognize and Overcome

Since 1992, National Stress Awareness Month has increased awareness, educating on the causes, impact and treatments of stress. At Center for Family Medicine, we help patients recognize stress and overcome obstacles to develop healthier habits to combat stress. 

What is stress?

Stress is when the brain’s physical, emotional and natural responses are challenged or threatened. Cortisol, adrenaline and other hormones are released, increasing heart rate and alertness. 

Common causes of stress include balancing finances, handling work conflicts, navigating relationships, and battling health problems. 

Impact of Stress

Stress can cause long-term mental and physical damage.

• Risk of untreated stress: Stress can cause physical damage, including high blood pressure.
• Mental health: Stress is linked to anxiety disorders, depression, poor concentration, and memory loss.
• Aging: Stress speeds up aging by damaging telomeres, resulting in weak muscles and premature wrinkles.

Effects of Stress

Stress can damage digestive processes and weaken the immune system, it puts you in a state of alarm that your whole body reacts to.

• Immune systems: Chronic stress will disrupt immune functionality and makes a person more susceptible to colds, infections and other illnesses.
• Cardiovascular issues: Increased blood pressure and heart rate increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.
• Musculoskeletal problems: Stress triggers muscular tightening, which can lead to migraines, headaches and chronic pain.

Why Lower Stress

Lowered stress is key to long-term health and happiness. Less stress decreases mental and physical strain and minimizes harmful pressure on the heart and immune system, along with enhancing focus and decision-making.

Ways to Lower Stress

There are several ways to help conquer stress:

• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness and mediation techniques
• Prioritize tasks, take breaks from media, set boundaries, and get good sleep
• Connect with family, friends, colleagues and professionals
• Seek a professional’s help

Stress is all around us. Recognizing what triggers stressors and finding ways to conquer them will help you lead a happy and healthy life. Your primary care provider at Center for Family Medicine can evaluate your mental state or find an underlying disorder before offering solutions that can include medication or counseling. Schedule an appointment today.