Stress and the Nature of Stress

Some Stress is Normal

Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Everyone experiences anxiety, tension and pressures at school, work, or home. A certain amount of stress in life is good. It keeps us energized, motivated, and productive.

Stress is our body's natural response to danger or what we think is a threat. When we sense danger, our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises and we are prepared for "fight, flight, or freeze." The exact same reactions occur when we experience anger.

Excessive and Prolonged Stress is Harmful

Stress hurts when it becomes a way of life. However, too much stress or stress experienced over a prolonged period of time without relief can be harmful to both your physical and mental health. The accumulated effects of long-term stress are now linked to heart disease, ulcers, cancer, anxiety disorders, and depression. Under stressful situations, the entire muscle structure tends to constrict. sometimes, when the heart and arteries constrict, strokes or heart attacks result.

Is It worth Dying For?

No matter what symptoms you experience, excessive stress can be hazardous to your health. Research has found that stress is linked to potentially fatal conditions such as heart attacks, cancer, and a decline in the immune system, which makes your body more susceptible to infection and disease.

You Have a Choice

In addition to learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress, you can also develop an understanding and ability to utilize skills to either accept, cope with, or change your stressors. It is necessary to be realistic about the source of your stress; if it is caused by something beyond your control, your alternative may be limited to acceptance. when stress is caused by something you can control, however, you can take action to change the situation. The ability to accept, cope with, and change, leads to effective stress management, whereas, the inability to adapt may result in physiological or mental disorders.


George Anderson, MSW, BCD, CAMF, CEAP
Diplomate, American Association of Anger Management Providers
Anderson & Anderson®, The Trusted Name in Anger Management
http://www.andersonservices.com/
http://www.aaamp.org
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