From the article: Stress and Health
Stress--especially chronic stress--affects the body in different ways. And because we all face unique stressors and have different resources, some of us are more affected by stress, and in different ways than others. Does stress give you headaches? Upset stomach? Or chronic illness? Tell us how stress affects you! Share Your Experience!
Weltschmerz
- When I stress-out, everything in my life gets toppled over. I have horrible stomach pains which leads to rapid weight loss (7 pounds in the last 7 days), as well as hair loss, and a lack of drive both emotionally and physically. I used to smoke which would temporarily "relieve" my stress - but I've quit that now and realize that I was simply providing my brain with an easy and deadly escape route. I do have trouble getting up in the morning, knowing that the day's impending events will surely trigger my depression and anxiety, and my stomach knots up at the slightest strain, causing constipation and discomfort. I'm in college, so certainly I'm not alone in the daily stress of doing full-time school while working part-time. Everything just feels weighty and insurmountable right now, and it completely changes the scape of my personality. I used to think I was a pretty positive influence on people, but now I can't muster up a kind thing to say, even about those I care deeply for.
- —Guest Swings
Tension!!
- Angry or negative people make me tense. I may as well be the one having the meltdown, because I tend to get very tense in my own body: teeth clenched, headaches, insomnia, etc. Right now, a friend is very angry with me and in "punishment mode." He won't settle down and talk it out with me. So, of course, I am popping pain pills before bedtime, and again, waking up still tense and with a headache. Not fun!
- —Guest Marie
What Causes Your Stress?
- My family cause me stress. I'm so impulsive and find it very difficult to manage stress. Many years ago I would sit in my parents livingroom late at night in a comfortable chair and listen to tape with soft words and breathing instructions to calm myself down. After a few days it was working so well that I actually fell asleep. I finally got over the serious stress I had after a man I thought would marry me never intended to (even after our 7 years together). Temporarily I use the breathing exercises. I need to do it much more often and to tune out my husband more!
- —Guest Laurie Yair
Can't Think
- When I'm stressed, I can't think straight, and also I'm paranoid. When ever I have something bothering me, I often think that people are watching me, people I can't see. (Thanks Stephen King.)
- —Guest Lane
Stress
- I just started my first job and I'm dealing with stuff I never wanted to, but I have no choice but to do it. I can't eat, really, unless I force it. With my last job, I had the same problem. I can't sleep well. I wake up way too early and can't go back to sleep, and I can't even have a train of thought without thinking about my job that I'm scared of. I talk to my girl friend, parents and close friends, but nothing seems to last more than a few minutes.
- —Guest gail55
Dry Skin
- Stress causes me to get dry skin and rosacea all over my face and arms.
- —Guest foodiebeta
Distracted
- Stress causes me to feel highly distracted and restless. I can't concentrate on any given task and get an anxious feeling of something looming over me.
- —Guest fc
I Miss Meals
- I don't cope well with stress. I have been like that all my life. Recently I have had the most stressful time I think I will ever have in my life. It has effected my eating habits, I just can't eat. I feel physically sick, but hungry at the same time. I am just too scared to eat anything in case I am sick.
- —Guest natalie
How Stress Affects My ody
- Stress make me eat all the time, even when I am not hungry. Therefore, I gain weight and cannot seem to lose it, and I walk daily! I also get a rash on my head that is very itchy. I also get headaches, and I cannot stay still at all. I have to be moving or doing something at all times. It is very exhausting.
- —Guest kim
Weight Gain and Skin Eruptions
- Stress makes me gain weight because I tend to overeat and remain in one place. I also sometimes get skin rash on my hands and legs!
- —Guest winnie
Discovery
- I just started working out at the gym a few months ago after I was laid off from work. I then began thinking about myself first, for a change, and realized that my old position was the cause of many health conditions (over-eating, lack of sleep, chronic cough, weight gain) and decided that it was time for a change. I deal with all my issues head on, and am determined to make my next job a part of my life and not the center of it. I also think that talking with those who care about me makes a big difference in how I view life today.
- —Guest Bev
??????
- I suffer severe tinnitus. I mean 'SEVERE'. Stress, HA!
- —Guest twinchin
Stress Gives Me Headaches and Fatigue
- I have been under a lot of stress in the last few years. A child with multiple surgeries and another with a drug problem. I didn't realize stress could cause so many problems. I kept going to the Dr. complaining of headaches almost daily and fatigue as well. I convinced myself I had a brain tumor. Had every test under the sun--all normal. I had myself so sick from anxiety and stress that I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue which also caused hypoglycemia. I am getting better but have a lot more work to do. I am on 5-HTP. Still have the headaches, though.
- —Guest Jeannie
Stress and the Heart
- I had a job that was very stressful. Cortisol can be as devastating to your arteries as cholesterol. I had two stents put in 5 months ago in the LAD 95% and 70% blockage even though cholesterol was 137. Retired after that recent episode. Stress relief was unbelievable.
- —Guest Leona H,
Autoimmune Disorder
- I think stress contributed to my autoimmunde disorder, Hoshimoto's, even though part of it is hereditary. I came from a dysfunctional family. I've been working through it for years. I still have to earn some money. In the field I chose, mental health counselor, I have to really take it easy because the profession can be stressful, especially as I keep learning better methods. I'm just vulnerable to stress which seems also to make me vulnerable to environmental allergic reactions. It sucks, but I am slowly learning how to relax by doing less, exercising regularly, including Yoga, increasing my faith, getting things organized, and relaxation tapes. If my anxiety symptoms are acute, I go to counseling and at times, take herbs or Gaba to help sleep. My body has to heal from the stress I have put it through.
- —Guest Victoria
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