November is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the significant impact of stress on our mental and physical health. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” stress can lead to a variety of health problems, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, and weakened immune systems.
The Science of Stress
When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for a fight-or-flight response. While this response can be helpful in short-term situations, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our overall well-being.
Common Signs of Stress
Recognizing the signs of stress is the first step towards managing it. Some common signs include:
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances.
- Emotional symptoms: irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Behavioral symptoms: difficulty concentrating, overeating, or under-eating, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we will delve deeper into the specific effects of stress on mental health.
