Stress affects everyone at one or the other point of time. There are ways to overcome it. However, if you experience stress for a prolonged period of time, it can become chronic. This can have a damaging effect on your overall well-being. Let’s take a look at how chronic stress affects your entire system:
1. Respiratory system
Chronics stress can make it difficult for you to breathe properly. Although this might not be a serious problem for normal people but in case anyone is suffering from a respiratory disorder such as emphysema or asthma, chronic stress can cause serious respiratory complications. Acute stress can trigger an asthma attack and hyperventilation which can also result in a panic attack in someone who is prone to such attacks. Consult a psychologist in case you or any of your loved ones suffer from chronic stress.
2. Musculoskeletal System
Chronic stress causes your body muscles to tense up. In case the muscles are tensed for a longer period of time, it can trigger other reactions inside your body and also result in stress-related disorders. For instance, headaches from excessive tension or migraine attacks are related to chronic muscle tension in areas such as neck, head or shoulders.
3. Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system comprises of the heart and the blood vessels. When your body is under chronic stress, your heart rate increases and as a result, your heart muscles contracts. This happens mainly due to the production of hormones such as Cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. This also causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus increasing the blood flow and elevating your blood pressure. Chronic stress also causes inflammation in your circulatory system, especially the coronary artery that results in a heart attack.
4. Nervous System
Your nervous system consists of 2 divisions: Central division (involves the brain and spinal cord), Peripheral division which includes the Autonomic and the Somatic nervous system. The Autonomic nervous system is further divided into Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). When your body experiences chronic stress, the SNS generates a “fight or flight” response. It triggers the release of stress hormones Cortisol and adrenaline which in turn results in a faster heart beat, increased blood pressure or hypertension.
We hope that these valuable insights will help you understand how chronic stress can affect your body. In case you are looking for counselling for depression in Kolkata, contact us at http://moneralo.com/contact-us/
