Stress is a natural human reaction to something scary or upsetting. We’re built to handle it in short bursts. However, we run into issues when stress is on-going. This post explains why and strategies that help break the cycle.
We use the word “stress” so often, that it’s hard to figure out what it actually means.
Here is a quick and easy to understand explanation of what stress is, why it happens, and what you can do to feel better.
Our stress response starts in the brain.
The amygdala, a part of our brain in charge of keeping us safe, is constantly figuring out whether we’re okay or in danger. When the amygdala decides we’re in danger, it sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, the part of our brain in charge of emotions. This part launches a bunch of flare guns letting every part of our brain know we’re in trouble.
As a result, every process in our brain goes into danger mode. This impacts how our body works. It also impacts how we think. This is why we think about the worst-case scenario, worry non-stop, look for answers, and seek reassurance.
Once our brain decides we’re in danger, it needs to get our body ready to fight and/or escape to survive. This is called “fight or flight.”
“Fight or flight” happens automatically so your brain doesn’t have to rely on you to think. This is a pretty clever hack. Common symptoms include fast heartbeat, nausea, quick breathing, dizziness, and muscle tension.
These symptoms are due to stress hormones flooding every system, changes in how your nerves are communicating with each other, blood flow, and how much oxygen is getting to your cells.
If you are stressed for a long period of time, you may start to have trouble sleeping and chronic muscle and/or digestive issues. Your immune system will also take a hit, so you’re more likely to get sick.
This is because our body is built for short bursts of stress. Once stress is chronic, all of our systems take a hit.
People, situations, and anything around us that make us feel threatened is considered a stressor.
We know there are stressors that impact most people. These are usually linked to anything that is obviously life-threatening.
Otherwise, what overwhelms one person may not bother someone else. In fact, they might think it’s fun. For example, bungee jumping off a bridge may terrify one person but be a pure adrenalin rush for someone else.
Stress is unavoidable and part of everyone’s life. What matters is how you choose to deal with stressful events and the uncomfortable feelings that happen during and after the event.
Dr. Levy’s blog post on self-care has tips for easily adding in behaviors that help manage stress and overwhelm.
When you’re ready to learn healthier ways to manage stress, please give us a call.
Please contact us to set up an appointment.
We can help give you information, a map for next steps, and hope that you can have the life you want.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Levy
Director
Dr. Ronit Levy is a clinical psychologist and director of Bucks County Anxiety Center in Newtown, PA. She specializes in treating teens and adults struggling with anxiety due to Anxiety Disorders, OCD, chronic illness, and life events. Dr. Levy trains and supervises other therapists and presents on mental health in the community.
About Us
The therapists who practice at Bucks County Anxiety Center work with teens (ages 14 and up) and adults struggling with anxiety and OCD.
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