Stress: Types, Causes, and Treatment

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What are its types?

Stress can be classified into 3 types based on the duration. They are as follows:

• Acute: A short-term response to immediate challenges or pressures that typically resolves quickly.
• Acute episodic: It is defined as acute tension that affects you on a regular basis. In such cases, you don’t get time to relax. It is common among healthcare professionals.
• Chronic: It is a persistent strain that lasts over an extended period, often caused by ongoing life pressures, traumas, or health issues. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of its examples.

Stress symptoms

The symptoms mainly depend on the affected body system or function. They commonly include:

• Physical symptoms such as low libido, stomach issues like diarrhea, headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, and fatigue.
• Emotional symptoms such as irritability, frequent mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
• Behavioral symptoms such as social withdrawal, restless behaviors, changes in appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Causes and risk factors

Apart from being categorized by duration, stress can also be understood by its causes or sources, which overlap with its risk factors. They generally fall into four broad categories: physical, psychological, environmental, and social.

Physical causes

Tension can begin in the body when it struggles to meet daily demands. Physical strain or neglect of basic health can often worsen symptoms. Some of the physical aspects include:

• An illness or injury that strains the body.
• Inadequate nutrition or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
• Lack of sufficient sleep and rest.
• Overexertion from intense physical activity or exercise.

Psychological causes

Mental and emotional pressure are also significant contributors to tension. When you feel overwhelmed internally or face heavy responsibilities, psychological stress is likely to develop. Some examples include:

• High workplace or academic demands that create mental strain.
• Emotional struggles from personal or relationship conflicts.
• Major life changes, such as moving to a new place, divorce, or loss of a loved one.
• Ongoing internal conflicts, self-doubt, or perfectionism.

Environmental causes

The external environment also shapes how strained a person feels. Challenging surroundings can make it harder to cope with daily life. It may include:

• Constant exposure to noise pollution or overcrowded spaces.
• Living or working in extreme temperatures or poor living conditions.
• Disruptive surroundings that hinder focus or comfort, like constant notifications or distractive colleagues.

Social causes

Interactions with others and social pressures can trigger or intensify tension. Expectations, discrimination, and financial or work pressures often create ongoing strain. Some examples are:

• Pressures from family expectations, social roles, or cultural norms.
• Fights or lack of support from family, spouse, or friends.
• Experiences of discrimination, exclusion, or social judgment.
• Financial difficulties and workplace issues, such as high workloads or job insecurity.

How is stress diagnosed?

There is no single way or test to confirm stress, its cause, underlying impacts, or conditions. So, it is assessed through a combination of clinical evaluation and tests usually performed by medical professionals. The options include:

• Tests and questionnaires: They include structured tools to measure perceived stress levels and coping abilities.
• Physical examination: Doctors check for other signs, such as elevated blood pressure or muscle tension, to identify the root problem.
• Hormone level testing: It measures Cortisol and other hormones to help evaluate the physical response. It is not a standard diagnostic tool, but doctors can use it if hormonal imbalances are suspected as the reason for stress.
• Mental health assessment: Psychological evaluation may identify serious issues like Anxiety Disorders, Depression, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that need treatment.

Treatment and management

Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatments based on the severity of your symptoms. Common strategies include:

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Practices such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery help balance hormone levels. They also enhance emotional regulation. Additionally, incorporating yoga can promote flexibility to ease physical tension, improve mind-body awareness, and promote relaxation.

Regular physical exercise

Exercise boosts mood by releasing Endorphins (natural mood boosters and pain relievers) and decreasing Cortisol, effectively managing stress. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Professional support addresses unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, such as overthinking, that contribute to strain. It helps individuals develop practical coping skills.

Medication

In severe cases, prescribed medications such as Fluoxetine and Paroxetine may help manage Anxiety and Depression associated with chronic stress. Other medicines, including benzodiazepines like Alprazolam and beta blockers like Propranolol, can be helpful. However, you should not use them without a prescription.

How to prevent it?

To prevent daily life tension or issues and improve mental health in the long term, you should:

• Maintain healthy sleep habits like sticking to a schedule, sleeping for 7-8 hours, and avoiding screens before bed. 
• Balance your nutrition habits. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports brain health and regulates hormones.
• Practice time management and set realistic goals, rather than overworking. Strive for a work-life balance and dedicate time to relaxation and hobbies.
• Build a strong social support system by surrounding yourself with people who make you feel calm and secure.
• Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use.

When to see a doctor for stress?

Recognizing when symptoms have become unmanageable and require professional help is vital for your overall well-being. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• You experience interference with daily activities, relationships, or work.
• Emotional signs such as Depression or feelings of hopelessness arise.
• Physical symptoms like severe chest pain or digestive issues do not improve, persist for a few weeks or worsen, even with primary care. 
• You have thoughts of self-harm or significant mood changes.

Early intervention can prevent further complications and facilitate a smoother recovery.

Conclusion

Stress is a natural response to pressure or challenges and is often inevitable in certain situations. However, it can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and mood changes to severe mental health disorders like PTSD that can be challenging. 

Its common causes include workplace or social pressure, conflicts, trauma, and medical conditions. Risk factors that can worsen symptoms often involve poor lifestyle habits, such as inadequate sleep or nutrition, and weakened immunity. 

However, many effective and evidence-backed treatments are available to help with stress management. They include mindfulness, exercise, therapy, and medications like Fluoxetine, which have been scientifically shown to improve stress symptoms. 

Prevention is also possible and equally important. It primarily focuses on maintaining healthy routines, building social connections, and seeking timely help. Understanding and managing the issue promptly can enhance your quality of life and overall well-being.