(Author)
Stress is a condition of mental or emotional strain or tension. Body responds to various stressors every day. Stressors may include emotional reactions to situations such as traffic, heat, or cold from the environment or an object, heavy bleeding from a wound, or even substance abuse. There are three phases or stages of the stress response. In Stage 1, which is represented by Alarm reaction, body gives instantaneous response to the physical, mental, or emotional upset. This response is also known as “fight or flight” response. In Stage 2, which is represented by Resistance, body responds by moving towards more balanced state, which is also known as homeostasis, so that there would not be more stress on the body. In Stage 3, which is represented by the process of Exhaustion, body may shut down after combating the stress for days to weeks. This stage appears in the form of skin aging, high blood pressure, depression, irritability, and other unwanted results.
As a result of stress, there is an increased release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which are involved in many of the above mentioned problems. Interleukin-1 receptor family is also found to have an important role in the body’s defense, injury and stress. Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) is produced after exposure of body to psychological and immunological challenges, and plays an important role in the behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses (Goshen, & Yirmiya, 2009). Long-term exposure to stress can result in serious types of health disorders. Chronic stress can disturb almost every system in the body. This long-term exposure can lead to increased blood pressure and increased chances of heart attack and stroke, decreased immunity, more chances of infertility, and accelerates the aging process. Chronic stress can also rewire the brain increasing the chances of depression, nervousness and anxiety. Many of these problems are very serious that can lead to death. Researchers have found that there are five times more chances of death in patients of stress as compared to the normal people. Most of these deaths are caused by chronic long-term stress that can lead to damage in the lining of the blood vessels (Smith, 2010).
Although stress is inevitable, it can be managed by positive changes in lifestyles. One of the first things to consider in management of stress is to find out the roots of stress. Pinpointing the stressors in life can help in better organization and proper action. Understanding all the stressors can help in considering those stressors, which can be controlled. Proper management of time can also help in management of stress. Positive attitudes, relaxation techniques, and regular exercises can help in better management of stress. Moving towards proper sleep and rest, and moving away from drugs and alcohol can also help in stress management.
The case of Stacy represents the problem of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This anxiety disorder is related to the serious traumatic events such as war, terrorist attacks, accidents, rape, kidnapping, childhood neglect, and assault, and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guiltiness, reliving the shock or trauma in dreams, lack of sensation and involvement with reality, or repeated thoughts and images. Symptoms of PTSD are different in children as compared to adolescents. Children may also react differently towards traumatic events. They may show fear of being separated from parents, aches and pains without any apparent cause, sleep problems, new phobias and nightmares, irritability and aggression. Therapeutic options for PTSD may include psychotherapy such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, and medicines such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sertraline and paroxetine (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Overall, several techniques and psychotherapies, either in combination or alone, are used to alleviate chronic levels of stress in affected individuals, so that everyday functioning could be improved in their life.
References
Goshen, I., & Yirmiya, R. (2009). Interleukin-1 (IL-1): a central regulator of stress responses. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 30(1), 30-45.
National Institute of Mental Health (2013). What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
Smith, R. (2010). Stress increases 'risk of death five-fold'. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7991620/Stress-increases-risk-of-death-five-fold.html
