Stress is a normal part of life, however ongoing worry and fear for long periods of time can negatively impact one’s mental and even physical health. Understanding the types of stress and determining a healthy way to deal with stress is key to maintaining a healthy balance. When a person is stressed, they can experience feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, and overwhelm that can cause physical pain, emotional distress, or cause extreme behaviors.
The main types of stress are acute, episodic acute, and chronic. Acute stress is caused by an unexpected event, such as a traumatic experience or a death of a loved one. Episodic acute stress is repeated episodes of acute stress, which is common when people are taking on more than they can reasonably handle. Finally, chronic stress is when a person is stressed continuously for a prolonged period of time. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and ultimately lead to chronic fatigue. Long-term stress can even cause changes in the brain, leaving an individual more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. When someone is chronically stressed, their body is overly stimulated, and the brain begins to breakdown which eventually causes physiological and psychological issues. Mental stress can impact nearly every system of the body and can affect performance throughout the day.
It is important that a person recognizes their stress triggers and learns methods to cope with stress when it cannot be avoided. Talk to our knowledgeable pharmacist to see how we can help determine if additional testing is required or if we can help with customized medications or quality supplements to help support a healthy stress response.
