Stress the Silent Killer (And its’ Sidekick Anxiety) Part 1

Stress the Silent Killer

(And its’ Sidekick Anxiety) 

Part 1

By Lady Jane ©

What is Stress?

Stress is difficult to define as it means different things to different people. Even dictionaries vary in definition. There are lay term definitions, Academic definitions and Medical definitions. The best way I can describe it is pressure and lack of control.

Stress is often confused with Anxiety. Indeed there are many similarities and one could say overlaps between the two. One possible way of differentiating between the two is that Stress usually has a tangible reason behind it. For example Stress related problems can include - High workload, Deadlines, Weddings or Selling a House. Anxiety is more the fear of the unknown or the anticipation that something unpleasant will occur. E.g. Boss might not like your work, Wedding Cake might not be ready on time or Buyers might drop out of a sale.

A Phobia is another condition that deserves a mention albeit briefly in this article. A Phobia is a fear that has developed to a point that it is so powerful that it usually has become irrational. Some Phobia's can be generally understood e.g. Snakes can inflict poison, Cliffs can give way, Lightning can strike. However there are some Phobias that are not easily explained E.G. Fear of Buttons, Fear of Books.

What do Stress and Anxiety do?

It is often explained as the Fight or Flight response. The Fight or Flight Response is a natural reaction to perceived danger. Far from being harmful the response is vital for our survival. Primitive humans often needed to be on the alert for possible and to react quickly to it.

Unfortunately the Stress and Anxiety responses were not designed for the pressures of modern life and are often therefore triggered unnecessarily. The mind perceives a threat but since it is not tangible it does not know what to do about it. Consequently it reacts how it was designed; which after a period of time becomes an ingrained response.

The Fight Response

During a Fight Response the body automatically shifts itself into attack/defence mode. Blood will be sent to the upperpart of the body to supply it with energy and oxygen. Physiological changes can be seen in various ways such as the clenching of the fists, a change in stance e.g.; putting fists up, planting feet firmly on the ground, drawing up to full height etc.

The Flight Response

During a Flight Response the body automatically prepares for escape mode. Blood will be sent to the lower part of the body in order to facilitate the flight. In addition to this the body will often seek to flush out excess weight to make it lighter hence the reason for the need to urinate or defecate.

The Freeze Response *

Apart from the two above responses there is another action the body can take. If it surveys the situation and decides that it cannot, flee, fight or hide it can freeze. Though not as common amongst humans as in other mammals the Freeze Response is just as valid as the Flight or Fight Responses.

Anxiety

A person that is suffering from Anxiety may experience a variety of symptoms with a differing degree of intensity. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:-

Apprehensive

Constipation

Cramps

Diarrhoea

Difficulty focusing on tasks in hand

Dizziness

Exhaustion

Feelings of dread

Forgetfulness

Headaches

Hyperventilation

Insomnia

Irritability

Migraines

Nausea

On edge

Overactive bladder

Oversensitivity to possible danger

Palpitations

Pessimism

Rapid pulse

Sweating

Trembling

Stress

In some ways Stress is very similar in the respect of symptoms. However it does have some additional ones as follows: -

Constant thirst

Dry mouth and throat

Drinking stimulants that include caffeine

Frustration

Increased reliance on alcohol

Restlessness

Chest pains

Difficulty in swallowing

Self-harm

Suicidal Tendencies

Unable to make decisions

These lists are not finite but they should be able to convey an idea of the symptoms that a person with Stress or Anxiety condition can display. How to combat these conditions will be covered in Part 2.

For more information see below

http://www.stressbusting.co.uk/

http://www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/

http://phobias.about.com/od/introductiontophobias/a/whatisphobia.htm

http://www.stressmanagement.co.uk/stress/fight-or-flight-response.html

*

To best illustrate the Freeze Response I suggest Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park series.