Under the microscope: Stress

Stress: under the microscope | Symptoms of stress | Preventing stress

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Each week we look more closely at the most common health conditions.

This week, we're focusing on stress.

What is stress?

Stress is a combination of physical and mental signs that you are under pressure. People talk about good stress and bad stress. We need to feel some pressure to motivate us to do some tasks that we don't enjoy. The body also produces stress chemicals when we need to do avoid danger - so stress can be good.
However research shows that around 12 million people see their doctor every year with mental health problems, most of which are caused by stress and a new report says 1 in 4 of us can't sleep because of stress.

What are the common causes of stress?

All sorts of situations can cause stress, but these are the 10 most stressful events in life.

Spouse's death
Divorce
Marriage separation
Jail term
Death of a close relative
Injury or illness
Marriage
Losing your job
Marriage reconciliation
Retirement

How do I know if I'm stressed?

One of the difficult things about stress is that there are so many signs and everyone is different. Here are just a few of the symptoms that you may have if you are constantly stressed.

Memory problems
Indecisiveness
Unable to concentrate
Being negative
Racing thoughts
Constant worrying
Short temper and impatience
Feeling tense and on edge
Feeling overwhelmed
Depression or general unhappiness
Eating too much or too little
Drinking too much, smoking and taking drugs
Biting your nails, pacing, grinding or clenching your teeth
Overreacting to unexpected problems
Picking fights and being aggressive

You might also have physical symptoms:

Headaches or backaches
Muscle tension and stiffness
Tummy trouble
Dizziness
Insomnia
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
Weight gain or loss
Spots and skin rashes

When does stress become a problem?

Stress becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks, ie: sleeping, your job, having a normal relationship. It can also make certain health conditions much worse, including irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, migraines and tension headaches.

What can I do about it?

The most important thing you can do is accept that it's causing you a problem. Then try to work out what it is that's making you stressed and remove the cause and give yourself some breathing space.

You should also talk to someone - your doctor is a good place to start and they can refer you to a counsellor. Your GP may also prescribe medication to help in the short-term.

It might also help to learn some relaxation techniques that you can use when you start to notice your stress levels rising. Also try to think about things you enjoy and make you less stressful and try to do more of them.

When should I see a doctor?

You should go and see a doctor as soon as you notice your health being affected. It may be that it's your partner who spots the signs first. Understand, though, that it's not a sign of weakness to visit your GP with stress.

Is there anything else I can do?

Changing your overall lifestyle is one of the best ways of preventing stress from taking over your life.

Eating healthily will stop you putting on weight and also lower the chance you will suffer from other diet-related conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes.
Cut down on your smoking and drinking
Get some exercise - it doesn't have to be much, maybe a walk to the shops or in the park.
Get used to saying 'no' to people - you need to make time for yourself
Enjoy yourself - being positive and loving life is one of the best ways to stop stress
Don't be too hard on yourself - no-one's 100% happy all of the time

- Read last week's Under the microscope: Cystitis