Subjective and behavioral consequences of stress

Today, stress treatment is one of the most important areas in medicine. The consequences of stress affect not only a person’s mental state, but can also disrupt the functioning of any organ or system. As a result of stress, a wide variety of somatic diseases can develop.

Our clinic deals with the treatment of stress and the treatment of post-stress disorders of any complexity and various types of their manifestations. In today's world, stress is a daily occurrence. Their frequency and duration of exposure are constantly increasing and this is reflected in our mental state.

Treatment of stress in the clinic

At some point, our nervous system cannot stand it and higher nervous activity collapses.

This breakdown may be due to various reasons that weaken the nervous system and allow the disorder to take hold, which causes the manifestation of post-stress states.

Weakening of the nervous system can have a different nature and the causes can be due to both hereditary factors and those acquired during life (organic, toxic, infectious, etc.), as well as temporary (situational). These parameters are very significant when treating stress and treating post-stress conditions.

The clinic's specialists have extensive experience in treating stress and treating post-stress conditions, which cause disorders of the nervous system and are often very painful for people. Our doctors can correctly and safely restore the functioning of the nervous system without negative effects on the body.

Stress needs to be treated

The symptoms of stress disorders are very wide, both in variety and in strength of manifestations.

Are you going through a difficult period? Are you stressed? Or have you already gone through a difficult period, everything has improved, but your health is at zero? Have you been treated, but the treatment did not help or had a weak effect? Do not despair!

Call and make an appointment! Our treatment helps even with the most severe cases, when other treatments have not helped!

Initial consultation and examination 2,500

Therapeutic and restorative neurometabolic therapy from 5000

Symptoms, causes and essence of chronic fatigue

The term "chronic fatigue" is self-explanatory: in this state, you become tired quickly and struggle to complete everyday tasks.

And you can’t really relax and replenish your energy reserves and you stop enjoying even your most favorite activities, because you don’t have the strength, desire and resource for it.

Why could you be so tired?

If we assume that there were no prerequisites for the appearance of chronic fatigue in the form of acute or chronic diseases, then most likely long-term stress could lead you to such a state. ()

Our built-in stress response system (consisting of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is ideal for dealing with short-term stress, but imagine what would happen if it was constantly turned on?

Constantly activating this system destroys the body's resistance and resilience (our current energy supply) and depletes our metabolic reserve (our backup battery). Even if you don’t register what’s happening as stress, your system perceives deadlines, eating on the run and going to bed late as, albeit a small, but crisis situation that threatens your safety.

At some point, chronic fatigue may occur due to constant stress.

The following stress factors can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Unbalanced monotonous diet (lack of greens and vegetables, fast food, excess refined sugar, alcohol);
• Excess caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cocoa);
• Deficiency of nutrients (minerals, vitamins);
• Constant dehydration;
• Smoking;
• Frequent business trips and time zone changes, constant shifts in the sleep and wakefulness schedule;
• Insufficient amount of sleep; (,)
• Using gadgets before bed (blue light from a smartphone, tablet, TV or laptop screen can reduce melatonin production; ()
• Increased workload (two jobs, overtime), intense work;
• Too much exercise or no exercise at all;
• Gastrointestinal diseases, chronic infections, weakened self-cleaning system;
• Food intolerance to certain foods (eg, gluten) can provoke inflammation by altering the gut microbiota, which activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis;
• Hormonal disorders (imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thyroid disease, imbalance of sex hormones);
• Dysregulation of blood sugar levels;
• Depression;
• Unfavorable environmental and hygienic conditions.

How to understand for sure that you have chronic fatigue syndrome, which is caused by stress

Since today chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is difficult to confirm clinically, and symptoms individually can indicate a number of other diseases, one of the main opportunities to correctly diagnose it remains careful self-observation and competent interpretation of symptoms (independently or together with a qualified specialist). () I’ll tell you about the analyzes a little later.

To add accuracy to your guesses, I suggest you get acquainted with the list of the most common symptoms of chronic fatigue. And two stress tests will help you assess how filled your life is with stressful events and whether chronic fatigue could be caused by stress.

Check if you have symptoms of chronic fatigue

A noticeable loss of strength for a long time is a significant, but not the only sign of chronic fatigue syndrome in women. It is important for you and me to track other markers to make sure that we are dealing with CFS.

If you have chronic fatigue, you may be concerned about:

• Difficult getting up in the morning;
• Insomnia;
• Muscle weakness;
• Long-term recovery after training;
• Headache;
• Increased or decreased appetite;
• Strong desire for salty/sweet foods;
• Need for stimulants during the day (caffeine to perk up, alcohol to unwind);
• Feeling of anxiety;
• Sudden loss of strength during the day (several times a day);
• Inappropriate reaction to stress (active irritation even to small stressors);
• Digestive disorder;
• Weakened immune system;
• Dry mouth and dry skin;
• Postural hypotension (dizzy if you stand up suddenly).

Take a stress test

The advantage of questionnaires is that they help us look at “habitual” states from a new angle, analyze reactive actions and give them an adequate assessment. When answering questions, we sometimes begin to understand that the body has been asking us for help for a long time and strenuously, but we do not respond (or strenuously ignore) its signals.

So, test. Relate each statement to your feelings/knowledge and calculate the points.

• I have “fatigued adrenal syndrome” (I was diagnosed with this / I read a lot about it and came to my own conclusions). (5)
• When I suddenly stand up, I feel weak and dizzy. (1)
• I have trouble falling asleep. (1)
• I wake up several times during the night. (1)
• I find it difficult to wake up in the morning. (1)
• I don't feel rested even after 8 hours of sleep. (1)
• I have hypoglycemia. (2)
• I get anxious/irritable when I skip meals. (1)
• I have seasonal allergies. (1)
• My allergic reactions have gotten worse over the past year. (1)
• I'm forgetful. (1)
• I often crave salty foods. (1)
• I get sick often. (1)
• I'm worried my belly is too big. (1)

If you score between 0 and 3 points, you most likely do not have chronic fatigue.

From 4 to 7 points - an average risk of developing chronic fatigue.

More than 8 points - a high risk of developing chronic fatigue.

Check your condition using the Holmes and Ray Stress Scale.

The Holmes and Ray Stress Scale is another test I recommend you take to help you better determine the level of stress you've experienced over the past year. I repeat: we do not always evaluate the events that happen in our lives as stressful. But psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe conducted an extensive study in the late 70s (among 5,000 patients and 2,500 US sailors) and confirmed a direct connection between stressful events and diseases . As a result, they compiled a list of 43 stressors that have a key impact on our health.

To start testing, follow the link and click on the Start the assessment button. You will see your results after passing the test. (Attention, in the original version the test is in English ).

Can chronic fatigue go away on its own and can you do nothing about it?

You and I live in a world in which, purely theoretically, anything can happen. However, I wouldn't trust this health claim. What is the likelihood that chronic fatigue will go away if you continue to lead the lifestyle that led you to this very fatigue?

It is also important to get rid of this syndrome because it has a cumulative effect and in the long term can lead to serious illnesses.

What can chronic fatigue lead to and what are the consequences of ignoring it?

• Gaining excess weight (especially in the abdominal area);
• Poor condition of hair (loss, thinning), nails (fragility) and facial skin (acne, rashes);
• Accelerated aging;
• Violation of the circulatory process;
• Blood pressure disorders;
• Arrhythmia;
• Digestive problems;
• Chronic headaches;
• Backache;
• Sleep disorders (waking up at night, insomnia);
• Often in a bad mood;
• Cognitive problems (poor memory of information, forgetfulness, slow thinking);
• Increased risk of metabolic problems that can cause cardiovascular disease;
• Progression of alcohol dependence. ()

The good news is that you can start lifting yourself out of chronic fatigue at any time. The main thing is to understand why chronic fatigue occurs (to understand its mechanics), outline a step-by-step recovery plan and follow it. This is what we will do in the next part of the article.

How stress is formed

Stress is the feeling of how our body reacts to some difficult events in our lives. This is the body’s way of responding to external adverse influences. The body prepares to face a difficult situation by increasing strength, endurance and alertness. Events that provoke stress are called stressful situations or high psychophysical stress; they cover a whole range of situations, ranging from direct physical danger to the most difficult life issues related to study, work or interpersonal contacts. The human body responds to stress by activating the nervous and hormonal systems. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up your heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and metabolism. Blood vessels open wider to increase blood flow to large muscle groups, preparing our muscles for combat readiness. The pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases stored glucose to increase the body's energy. And sweat is produced to cool the body. All these physical changes prepare the human body to react quickly and effectively to cope with negative impacts. This natural reaction of the body is known as the stress response.

Stress reaction

Stress reactions are important during acute, emergency situations, such as when a driver must slam on the brakes to avoid an accident, to defeat a penalty and win a game, a final exam. Once this situation passes the nervous system quickly returns to its normal state, and will be ready to respond again when needed.

However, stress reactions may not always last for a short time. Current or long-term events, such as divorce or moving to a new area or school, can also cause stress. The reaction to stress can often cause health problems, especially when the negative impact lasts for a long time, a breakdown may occur in the form of a failure of higher nervous activity. In such situations, treatment of stress or post-stress complications is necessary.

Is there a positive impact

Professional stress - what causes it and how to cope with it

In addition to the negative effects of stress on the human body, there are also positive aspects. According to experts, during stressful situations the human body feels a surge of energy that pushes it to action. Scientists have proven that emotional stress in microdoses can be beneficial for health. For example, stress helps every person cope with daily problems and motivates them to achieve their goals.

Psychologists say that a state of increased tension is a vital argument for survival. When stress impulses enter the brain, an “order” is given to the adrenal glands to synthesize more biologically active substances, that is, hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine). These compounds increase blood pressure and heart rate. This helps you focus on the problem and avoid dangerous situations.

Immunologists also believe that stress improves the immune resistance of the human body. Studies have shown that patients who experienced moderate levels of stress before surgery recover much faster than those who had low or, conversely, high levels of psycho-emotional stress.

Why you need to treat stress

Long-term stressful situations can cause lasting changes in people with low levels of stress tolerance. The nervous system is under constant pressure and can remain constantly active, which stimulates the continued production of additional portions of stress hormones over a long period. This depletes the body's reserves, causing a person to feel overworked and weak. The body's immune system is weakened, and other problems arise associated with the depletion of various biological reserves.

Stress often causes the formation of various mental disorders.

The most common cases of development of such disorders are:

• Depression
• Anxiety states
• Psychosomatic disorders
• Neuroses
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Other pathological mental states.

Despite the fact that stress reactions have important biologically justified changes in the body, overload stress is completely different. Too much stress is not good for the entire human body. For example, a small stress test - short-term stress leads to motivation to study, and a person learns the material more easily. But prolonged stress throughout the probationary period can create significant difficulty concentrating on the material you need to learn.

Stress treatment is necessary

Pressure that is too intense or too long can cause people to feel stressed overload. Here are some of the basic situations that can overwhelm the body's ability

cope with stress independently if it continues for a long time:

• intimidation or direct exposure to violence or physical harm
• conflicts in the family, difficult emotions that may be accompanied by grief
• difficulties associated with learning disabilities
• lack of time for proper rest

Some stressful situations can be extreme and require special attention and treatment for stress and its complications. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder is a very severe reaction that can develop in people who have experienced an extremely traumatic event, such as a serious car accident, natural disaster, terrorist attack, rape, etc.

Some people may have neurodevelopmental characteristics that may cause them to overreact to stress, even when faced with minor challenges. If a person often feels tense, upset, anxious, or experiences stress, this may be a sign of anxiety and a reason to seek help from a professional counselor to overcome it.

General adaptation stress syndrome

The body always strives to eliminate stress factors through a psycho-emotional response. If this is not possible, the central nervous system triggers defense mechanisms that seek to adapt the body to a stressful environment by regulating homeostasis. Hans Selye, studying stress and its nature of impact, defined the concept of general adaptation syndrome (GAS), which clearly demonstrates the consequences of stress on the body as a whole.

GAS is characterized by three phases, occurring sequentially one from the other:

The excitation phase, characterized by increased activity of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, is divided, in turn, into two subphases:

• Shock. During the period of shock, a decrease in the volume of circulating blood occurs, against the background of a general decrease in sodium, chlorine and glucose in the plasma. This condition resembles the symptoms of Addison's disease. At this stage, there is an “awareness” of the stress factor and an assessment of its harmful status.
• Antishock. When the threat of a stress factor is fully assessed, the nervous system puts the body in a general state that can be characterized as anxious. During this period, the activity of the locus coeruleus in the brain is activated, which begins to stimulate the production of norepinephrine and adrenaline, while the sympathetic trunk of the autonomic nervous system comes into a state of excitement: the heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, breathing increases, the work of the digestive system is suppressed, and tone increases skeletal muscles, the concentration of cortisol and glucose in the blood plasma increases. Thinking is at the stage of making a strategically correct decision - “fight or flight.”

The resistance phase is the next stage in the development of the general adaptation syndrome, where hormonal status plays a dominant role. The level of blood nutrients for cells, such as glucose, lipids, proteins, increases. The level of immune reactions decreases, which is especially clearly visible on the leukocyte formula: a decrease in the level of lymphocytes, eosinophils and an increase in the level of neutrophils. Cortisol puts the body into a state of active readiness, bringing it to the peak of resistance, which quickly leads to depletion of physical energy reserves.

Recovery or exhaustion phase:

• The recovery path indicates that the body has successfully overcome or eliminated stressors. Increased levels of glucose and other nutrients have a beneficial effect on anabolic reactions, which are aimed at restoring homeostasis and cell regeneration.
• Exhaustion occurs when all the body's energy resources are exhausted and the nervous system is no longer able to support physiological functions. In addition, the body's immune system is seriously damaged.

If the exhaustion stage is prolonged, this will lead to long-term pathological changes, which are often irreversible and increase the risk of serious mental and biological disorders - gastric ulcers, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, phobias, generalized anxiety, depression. In rare cases, the occurrence of schizophrenic syndromes is noted.

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Manifestations of stress

People who experience stress from overwork may notice some of the following signs:

• anxiety or panic
• feeling of constant pressure, weakness, sadness, depression
• irritability, moodiness, tearfulness
• physical symptoms: such as stomach problems, headaches and even chest pains
• allergic reactions such as eczema and asthma
• sleep problems
• increased consumption of alcohol, tobacco, overeating

Everyone experiences stress a little differently. Some people become angry or aggressive and often involve others in their stress or take it out on others. For others, it may manifest as an eating disorder or develop substance abuse problems (such as alcohol or drugs). Those people who have chronic illnesses may find that the symptoms of their illness flare up with renewed vigor under an overload of stress.

Why is stress dangerous?

When a person is in a stressful situation for a long time, a number of changes occur in his body. This affects his well-being, emotional state, behavior, relationships with loved ones, and performance.

There is a widespread belief that all diseases arise from nerves. For people who are wondering whether it is possible to get sick due to stress, the answer is a clear yes. Not all diseases and not in all cases are caused by nervous tension, but this factor contributes to the development of disorders of various systems in the body.

In addition to physical problems, stress can cause emotional and cognitive problems. Being under the influence of stress factors, a person becomes less balanced. He may behave aggressively and irritably with others or, conversely, become more passive and apathetic, subject to depressive moods.

The brain function of a person who has been under stress for a long time is also susceptible to detrimental effects. This may cause absent-mindedness, memory problems, and it becomes more difficult to concentrate.

Treatment of stress and treatment of post-stress conditions

The effectiveness of stress treatment depends on the speed and quality of medical care provided. Therefore, one of the most important points in treatment is how quickly a person seeks quality help from a good specialist.

Treatment of stress and post-stress conditions is always determined by the presence of one or another “weakness” of the nervous system. As they say, where it is thin, it breaks. The clinic’s doctors always look very carefully into the true causes of this breakdown of the nervous system and possible further complications.

As a rule, it is not the stress itself that is dangerous, not its momentary manifestation, but the residual effects and complications that form after the acute manifestation of this mental state. And these consequences are very closely related to the individual parameters of the formation of the nervous system, with what possible changes could be acquired during life and the characteristics of the momentary reaction.

To correctly determine such parameters, sufficient experience in the treatment of stress and post-stress conditions is required. Our doctors have such experience, because... Each of our doctors has extensive practical experience in clinical work.

After determining these individual parameters, the appropriate therapy is selected, which usually follows a general scheme: neurometabolic therapy, psychotherapy, rehabilitation medicine measures and drawing up an individual plan for daily routine and diet.

In most cases, stress treatment takes place within 5-10 days, and in the presence of already formed complications, in the treatment of post-stress conditions, it is sometimes necessary to spend much more time. The duration of treatment for post-stress conditions in such situations will depend on the individual parameters of the nervous system.

Keep your stress under control

What can you do to combat stress overload, or better yet, avoid it in the first place? The most useful method of dealing with stress is knowing how to cope with stress that can arise at any time. Stress management - skills work best when they are used regularly, and not just when there is increased stress. Knowing how to “de-stress” requires using this technique constantly, when everything is relatively calm, then these skills can help you get through difficult circumstances that arise.

Causes of post-traumatic syndrome

A variety of situations can traumatize the psyche. A person’s reaction depends on his mental state, but there are stressful situations that affect most people:

• all kinds of disasters, accidents and other accidents that resulted in the death of one or more people;

• the death of a loved one, family member or friend is perceived as a personal disaster;

• domestic violence against women or children. Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop both in the person who has been subjected to violence and in the person who witnessed it;

• participation in various armed conflicts and wars also leads to mental trauma. After the end of hostilities in Afghanistan, many military personnel developed post-traumatic stress disorder, later called “Afghan syndrome.” A similar situation was observed in the United States, where thousands of American soldiers suffered from the “Vietnam syndrome.” The greatest stress for ordinary people is involvement in the actions of terrorist groups associated with the risk of life;

• receipt of physical injuries leading to injury and disability. The list of traumatic situations may be longer; only the most common causes are given here. The psychology of post-traumatic stress has been identified as a separate scientific area in psychiatry for a long time, but it has gained the greatest relevance recently.

How to treat stress yourself

Here are some rules that can help keep stress under control:

• Go against what is planned. If you feel tired, consider cutting back on activities or choosing only those that are most important to you.
• Be realistic. Don't try to be perfect - no one can do everything. Expect realistic opportunities from others, and don't put too much pressure on others to avoid increasing your stress levels. If you need help with something, ask for it.
• It is necessary to ensure that you have a good and complete sleep at night. Having quality sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, which makes you better equipped to deal with any negative effects of stress and helps treat stress. Because the biological “sleep clock” shifts during adolescence, many teenagers choose to go to bed later and wake up later in the morning. But if you go to bed late and have to get up early (for school, for work), you cannot get all the hours of sleep your body requires that it needs.
• Learn to relax. The body's best natural antidote to stress is the relaxation response. Relaxation will help your body fight stress, which creates a feeling of well-being and calm. The benefits of relaxation in response to stress are that the body’s biochemical processes are activated aimed at replenishing spent resources, which can be activated simply by rest. You can help trigger the relaxation response by learning simple breathing exercises, and then use them when you find yourself in stressful situations. This will help you restore or not waste unnecessary body resources, and build your schedule for implementing activities. Relaxation should be soothing and enjoyable: reading a good book, pursuing a hobby, spending time with your pet, or simply taking a relaxing bath.
• Treat your body well. Experts agree that regular exercise helps people cope with stress. Excessive or forced exercise can, on the contrary, contribute to the development of stress; it is necessary, as with everything, to use moderation.
• It is necessary to eat right to help the body function at its best. It's easy when it becomes your daily habit. You cannot eat on the run or eat unhealthy food or fast food. Under stressful conditions, the body needs vitamins and minerals more than ever. Some people may turn to substance abuse as a way to relieve stress. Although alcohol or drugs may seem to help relieve stress temporarily. However, using psychoactive substances to cope with stress actually contributes to the development of even more stress, because the body's ability to return to normal is worn out.
• Analyze what you are thinking. Your perspective, attitude and thoughts influence how you see and present things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help you come out of stressful circumstances better. Even if you are a bit of a pessimist in life, everyone can learn to think more optimistically and reap the benefits from it.
• Solve small problems. Learning to handle everyday tasks calmly can give you a sense of control. Developing the skills to calmly look at problems, find out, consider options, and take some action helps in developing skills to solve larger problems and is a path to resolution in stressful situations. Feeling able to calmly solve small problems builds the inner confidence to move on to calmly solving larger problems—and this can serve you well during times of stress.
• Build your stress tolerance Have you noticed that some people seem to quickly adapt to stressful circumstances and take all situations in stride? They are calm under any pressure and are able to solve problems as they arise. Researchers have identified qualities that make some people seem naturally resilient even when faced with high levels of stress. If you want to build your resilience, you need to work on developing these qualities.
• If you have problems fighting stress, you should not hesitate to ask for help from a competent psychotherapist.

The specialists of our clinic will always help you get out of the most difficult stressful situations and relieve the pathological consequences for the body, which very often arise during periods of prolonged stress. Treatment of post-stress disorders should be supervised by a competent doctor. Before treatment, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis.

Negative effects of stress

Problems with physical and psychological health, poor relationships with loved ones, unfulfilled careers - this is what stress leads to.

Physiological effects of stress

Being in a stressful situation for a long time can lead to pathologies of the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. There have been cases where after suffering severe stress overnight, a rash appeared on the skin; Digestive system disorders often appear. The protective functions of the immune system are reduced, so a person may experience frequent colds and infections.

Due to excessive constant muscle tension, clamps can occur. Insomnia and sexual dysfunction often occur. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can often develop under the influence of stress. According to research, the occurrence of cancer can be facilitated by processes in the body that occur during a stressful situation.

Psychological consequences of severe stress

Not only illnesses from stress can occur, but also mental disorders. There is a particularly high risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. A constant feeling of fear can lead to panic attacks.

A person under the influence of stress factors is characterized by increased irritability. This can lead to conflicts with others.

Among the consequences of long-term stress on a person’s psychological state are apathy, fatigue, lack of motivation, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a feeling of internal tension. All this can lead to neuroses.

How to proceed:

Try to determine what is causing the problem. “I always explain to patients that the body and mind are one unit: if you are depressed, depressed, then this will affect the body,” says Dr. Colgan. “If you're having trouble with relationships, trouble at work, or financial problems, you're stressed and your body can't function as well as it should.” Try to reduce your stress levels and your sex life will improve.

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Based on materials from Life by DailyBurn