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When Stress Takes Over
Written by Aakifa Shafeer
We do need a good amount of stress to function in day-to-day life. It helps us navigate everyday situations, including relationships and challenges. However, it becomes concerning when stress manifests as pain in your mind or body, or when it appears in your actions, hurting not only you but also your loved ones. By learning more about stress, we can better manage it and work on addressing it before it causes too much damage.
Understanding STRESS
The stress response an individual experiences is a natural reaction. Our amazing bodies are designed in a way to deal with stress and respond to it. When your body is faced with challenges or changes, it responds mentally and physically. This reaction is commonly known as stress. These reactions help individuals navigate and adapt to challenges and change. It becomes concerning when it is continual for a long period of time without relief and may, as a result, cause mental health challenges. (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).
STRESS and Mental Health
Neural connections in the brain and cognitive functioning, including the process of thinking, can be hindered and even altered if stress prevails for a long time. The amygdala, which acts as a fear detector, and the hippocampus, which mainly helps with memory formation, as well as the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate thoughts and emotions, can all be affected. These alterations may make it difficult to regulate fear and anxiety and may even lead to PTSD and other mental health conditions. (Mental Health UK, n.d)
Hidden Physical Costs of STRESS
Prolonged periods of stress can make individuals more prone to infections, worsen existing diseases, and even delay healing. Stress can impact the gut by causing various digestive problems, including gastritis, and in some cases may lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating. Elevated levels of stress hormones can contribute to the development of diabetes. Stress may also present as muscle tension, headaches, and stiffness, which over time can develop into chronic musculoskeletal disorders. (Fernández, L, 2025)
Effects of STRESS on our Behavior and the Body
Stress may manifest physically through symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches, muscle pain, and skin reactions like rashes. Individuals might also feel unwell, dizzy, or faint, and in some cases experience chest pain. (NHS, n.d). Stress can result in irritability and frequent mood changes. It may lead individuals to withdraw from social settings and prefer isolation. Behaviours such as procrastination, fidgeting, and nail-biting are commonly observed in those experiencing chronic stress. (Sehgal.P, 2023)
Managing STRESS effectively
Managing stress involves making it a habit to engage in physical activity on most days of the week. Trying relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, prayer, and meditation can also help. Maintaining a sense of humor and making an effort to spend time with loved ones are important. In addition, setting aside time for hobbies such as reading, listening to music, and engaging in personal passions can improve overall well-being. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2023). Getting adequate sleep by going to bed at a specific time each day can help improve sleep quality. A minimum of seven hours of sleep is essential. It is also important to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation. Individuals should refrain from taking unprescribed medication and attend regular health appointments, tests, and check-ups. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
Stress is a part of life, but it should not control your life. With the right habits and mindset, it can be managed effectively. Managing stress is about taking small, consistent steps that protect both your mind and body.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 16). Managing stress. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Management, and Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
Fernández, L. (2025, March 27). How stress affects physical health. Sinews. https://www.sinews.es/en/how-stress-affects-physical-health/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, November 18). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
Mental Health UK. (n.d.). Stress. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/stress/
NHS. (n.d.). Stress. Every Mind Matters. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/
Sehgal, P. (2023, April 25). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Regency Healthcare. https://regencyhealthcare.in/blog/stress-symptoms-effects-on-your-body-and-behavior/
