Stress

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you frustrated, angry or nervous.

Hungarian-born Hans Selye (1907-1982) stumbled upon the idea of the General Adaptation Syndrome (G.A.S.). The G.A.S., alternately known as the stress.

         There are two main types of stress:

1. Acute stress- This is short-term stress that goes away quickly. Examples of acute stressors include having a job interview or Booking a flight ticket in emergency.
2. Chronic stress- This is stress that lasts for a longer period. Examples of chronic stressors include:

• Disease and disorders, like chronic pain.
• Abuse of any kind, including mental and emotional.
• The loss of a job loved one as a result of death, or a spouse due to divorce, etc.

Affected areas of the body-

Brain, nerves, muscles, joints, heart, stomach, pancreas, intestine and reproductive system, etc.

 Causes-

• Common internal causes of stress include:

• Pessimism
• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations / perfectionism
• All-or-nothing attitude

• Common external causes of stress include:

• Major life changes
• Work or school
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family etc.

Sign and Symptoms-

• Cognitive symptoms:

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying

• Emotional symptoms:

• Depression or general unhappiness
• Anxiety and agitation
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness and isolation
• Other mental or emotional health problems

• Physical symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heart rate
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent colds or flu

• Behavioral symptoms:

• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing from others
• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing), etc.

Prevention 

(A B C Strategy)

A= Awareness

B= Balance

C= Control

Treatment

(Stress Management Technique)

• Change your thinking
• Change your behavior
• Change your lifestyle
• Conventional Medicine
• Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Relaxation
• Meditation
• Massage
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Floatation
• Hebraism
• Biofeedback
• Homeopathy
• Hypo therapy
• Osteopathy
• Religious Therapy
• Reflexology

Major Life Events

• Death of a loved one
• Divorce/ Separation
• Injury/ Illness (Self/ Family)
• Marriage/ Engagement
• Loss of job
• Retirement
• Pregnancy
• Sexual Problems
• Change in financial status, job/work&responsibilities
• Moving House
• Holidays
• Festivals etc.

According to a survey of 2018 conducted by Cigna TTK Health Insurance in India, stress levels seem to be high as compared to other countries (developed and emerging).

About 89% of the population in India says they are suffering from stress as compared to the global average of 86%. 

Nearly 75% of respondents here do not feel comfortable talking to a medical professional about their stress and cite cost as one of the barriers. 

Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2021, LinkedIn which had become the world’s largest online professional network launched a special ‘mental health’ edition of the Workforce Confidence Index to address the prevalence of work stress in India and how professionals expect greater flexibility to keep their mental health in check.

Based on the survey responses of 3,881 professionals from July 31 to September 24, findings reveal that more than half of India’s (55%) employed professionals are feeling stressed at work as well-being measures become a luxury for many.