Stress is a normal and necessary response that our bodies experience when facing challenging situations.

For us at NIH, stress can be categorised in one of two ways:

  • Emotional/psychological
  • Physical

Stress is rampant. It’s important to work on ways to support your bodies adaptability to stress, as chronic stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system.

This makes our bodies less effective in fighting off infections and driving certain disease states.

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can suppress the immune system's response. As a result, people who experience chronic stress may be more susceptible to illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and infections.

Stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health - chronic stress in particular can lead to a variety of health problems. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger the "fight or flight" response, preparing for a perceived threat.

While this response can be helpful in short-term situations, chronic stress can keep our body in a constant state of activation, impacting negatively on our health.

Some of the negative effects of chronic stress on the body include:

  • Increased risk of heart disease and stroke: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and inflammation - all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
  • Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections, illnesses, and chronic diseases.
  • Digestive problems: Chronic stress can lead to digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Weight gain: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and increase appetite, leading to weight gain.
  • Mental health issues: Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

It's important to find ways to manage stress and support our body's natural stress response. 

Still struggling with how to cope with stress and mood issues?

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