How can stress affect my life?

Stress can affect almost every aspect of an individual’s life, including physical changes, psychological changes, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and memory, concentration and learning.

Physical Changes due to Stress

When a person experiences stress, the brain releases chemicals that tell the body to react to danger. The fight or flight mechanism may be activated to protect the individual. There is an increase in blood pressure as the heart and lungs are called upon to respond. Breathing becomes rapid and oxygen intake and blood flow are dramatically increased. If stress becomes persistent, all parts of the body's stress apparatus (the brain, heart, lungs, vessels, and muscles) become chronically over- or under-activated. This may produce physical or psychological damage over time.

Physical problems that may be caused or exacerbated by stress include, heart disease, stroke, cancer, susceptibility to infections, immune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, eating problems, diabetes, and muscular and joint pain.

Psychological Changes

Research shows that the inability to adapt to stressful situations may be associated with the onset of depression and anxiety. The symptoms of stress overlap with the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Sleep Disturbances

The tensions of unresolved stress frequently cause insomnia, generally keeping the stressed individual from falling asleep, or causing him/her to awaken in the middle of the night or early morning.

Sexual Dysfunction

Stress can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Stress can lead to a decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm in women. Stress response can also cause temporary impotence in men. Part of the stress response involves the release of brain chemicals that constrict the smooth muscles of the penis and its arteries. This constriction reduces the blood flow into and increases the blood flow out of the penis, which can prevent erection.

Stress may also affect fertility levels in women and men. Stress during pregnancy can trigger a miscarriage, and there is research to support the idea that stress can be harmful to a developing fetus.

Stress and Learning Ability

Research shows that stress has significant effects on one’s memory. Stress can cause a loss of concentration, memory, and therefore, learning. Acute stress can hinder short-term memory, while chronic stress can affect long-term memory.