Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health concerns. According to Dr. Akshay Syal, an internal medicine physician, chronic stress can cause fatigue, pain, and tension throughout the body, as well as mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Recognizing the Signs of Chronic Stress
Dr. Syal explains that it’s not the stress itself that’s the problem, but rather how we respond to it. If you’re experiencing stress that’s interfering with your daily life, such as canceling plans with friends and family or not finding joy in activities you once enjoyed, it may be a sign of chronic stress.
When we experience stress, our brain triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline into our bloodstream. While this response was helpful in the past, it’s less helpful in modern times, and can lead to health problems if it’s triggered too often.
Hobbies and finding healthy ways to manage stress can be helpful in preventing chronic stress. Dr. Syal advises talking to a healthcare provider if you believe your stress is chronic and taking over your life.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
