Stress: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Stress is a constant worry these days and is quickly becoming one of the most common psychological conditions. Fast-paced lifestyles and increased lifestyles, along with environmental factors are leading to an increase in stress levels among the population.

However, stress can be combated with awareness of its causes, symptoms and treatments. Read on to find out more.

Causes of stress: Causes of stress are divided into both internal and external factors.

External factors:

• Major Changes/ Upheavals in Life
• Financial Worries
• Overwork
• Family Troubles
• Relationship Factors
• Environments (pollution and crime)
• Social issues

Internal factors:

• Unhealthy attitudes
• Insecurity
• Health issues
• Beliefs
• Emotional Trouble

Now that we have seen some of the common causes of stress, let us take a look at the effects of stress. Stress affects everyone in different ways. It could be as a drive to overcome the stress or destructive habits like smoking as a coping mechanism. Stress could also lead to anxiety or chronic depression.

Stress leaves both visual and subtle signs that can be recognized.

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Signs that you have Stress

• An inability to focus
• Constant negativity
• Anxiety
• Trouble with memory
• Sudden changes in mood
• Short temper
• Being unable to relax
• Low self-esteem
• Behavioural changes
• Isolation
• Procrastinating
• Developing nervous tics

There is no need to worry even more. There are many to manage, if not completely eliminate stress other than relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking and drinking habits like overeating. There are many healthy options for dealing with stress.

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Avoiding and Treating Stress

Help Yourself: Stress can be managed by making a conscious effort to improve your mood. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent and manage stress. A regular exercise routine, a healthy diet and positive coping mechanisms are very helpful in dealing with stress.

Find a hobby: Finding a way to keep occupied, like a hobby can help relax the body and mind. Doing something you enjoy can help you gain peace of mind. Activities like writing, gardening or painting help.

Therapy: In cases where dealing with stress by oneself doesn’t seem to be helping, there are options like therapy. Talking to a counselor or psychologist helps in dealing with stress. Talking to a counselor can also help identify the root cause of the stress and help come to terms with and overcoming it.

Medication: In cases of excessive stress, anxiety or depression, there are medications that can help lower stress levels by controlling the body’s responses. Medicines that help reduce hypertension and anxiety are used in the treatment of stress.

Take Time to Relax: Taking some time out to relax helps immensely in dealing with stress. Activities like listening to music or meditating are a good way to de-stress.

Laugh: Laughter is definitely the best medicine when it comes to dealing with stress. Laughing leads to a release of endorphins, which promote good feelings and stave off stress.

Being aware of stress goes a long way in preventing and dealing with it effectively. Knowing about the negative effects of stress and how it affects the body also helps stay healthy.

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