Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to the demands of life which despite being unpleasant, is not an illness in itself. Stress can be caused by both good and bad experiences.
When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing hormones into the blood. These hormones, along with the actions of autonomic nerves give people more energy and strength to react, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger.
But this can also be a bad thing if their stress is prolonged or intense stress in response to something emotional and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. It is characterized by the presence of dissociative symptoms, intrusive symptoms, negative mood, avoidance, and arousal symptoms.
Impact on Life
Stress can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, affecting their physical and mental well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Prolonged or intense stress can lead to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Stress can increase the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It affects a person’s ability to function at work, in relationships, and day-to-day activities.
In the case of ASD, if the symptoms such as dissociation, intrusive thoughts or memories, avoidance of reminders of the event etc. persist the condition can develop into PTSD and have a long-term impact on an individual’s life.
Management
It’s important to note that while some level of stress is normal, prolonged or intense stress may require intervention. There are various effective strategies and treatments available to help manage and reduce stress.
Some such strategies include relaxation techniques, exercise, maintaining a healthy social support network or building a healthy daily routine. If you would like additional support or if you are experiencing extreme or chronic stress.
Seeking support from a counsellor or mental health personnel can help you identify the issues and implement effective stress management techniques to improve your overall well-being.