What Are The Potential Symptoms Of Stress?

Most individuals seem to experience stress somewhat regularly throughout their lives. Stress, a natural response from the body, may be beneficial in small amounts. It may help individuals avoid threats or be motivated to act. Unfortunately, high amounts of stress may be overwhelming and have a negative effect on an individual's life. It may affect their relationships, academic performance, and mental health. Excessive stress may also cause physical illnesses.

Stress relief appears to be possible for most individuals. Natural stress management may be the first option. Some individuals seem to try exercise, aromatherapy, and meditation as home remedies for stress. However, sometimes anti-stress medication may be necessary. Prescription stress pills appear to be common, though some natural supplements for anxiety and stress may be enough. In the end, though, individuals may want to understand the possible symptoms of stress first.

Frequent Illnesses

It seems that stress may cause frequent illnesses. This reaction may leave individuals vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. Stress appears to impair the immune system, resulting in these effects. Normally, an individual's body should create antibodies to fight a potential illness or infection. However, stress seems to make this harder. This may be a reason why some vaccines are not as effective due to stress. It appears that stress may reactivate dormant viruses in the body, such as the herpes simplex virus. Thus, symptoms may reappear. Stress seems to make the immune system unable to control these viruses.

Some hormones may become imbalanced due to stress. Two examples appear to be cortisol and corticosterone, which should protect individuals. However, it seems that when these hormones are elevated for an extended period, an individual's body may not respond anymore. Thus, they may be vulnerable to inflammation and frequent illnesses. This may also increase their risk of chronic health conditions.

Continue reading to reveal the potential symptoms of stress now.