Stress is a set of physical and physiological reactions of the body, faced with a particular situation, which is said to be stressful, and / or stressors. It can affect anyone, usually for a short period. However, a situation of chronic stress is pathological.

What is stress ?

What is stress ?

Stress is defined by réactions of the body, both emotional that physical, faced with a particular situation or stressors (stresseurs). Stress is a natural reaction if it is not excessive.

Conversely, a situation of chronic stress can be considered to be pathological and can lead to digestive disorders, headaches, sleeping troubles or other physiological damage.

In people with asthma, stress can cause asthma symptoms to deteriorate. The same goes for people who are depressed, anxious, or have other mental disorders.

Means and techniques make it possible to fight against stress, particularly when it is chronic, such as relaxation exercises, or even breathing exercises.

The most common stressful situations are: the approach of an examination, an interview, an oral presentation in front of an audience or even in response to a certain danger. In these situations, signs are then directly observable: rapid breathing, muscle contractions, increased heart rate, etc.

The causes of stress

Stress is triggered by situations that represent a “danger” to the individual or by stressors. These stressful and / or stressful situations can be related in various contexts depending on the age of the person.

In children and adolescents, these can result in confrontation with violent, abusive or even conflictual situations, as in the case of a parental divorce.

In adults, it will be more stressful situations in daily life and at work, anxiety and depression. In particular, studies have shown that a chronic state of stress in adults is most often the consequence of an underlying anxiety state.

Exposure to traumatic situations can also cause chronic stress. We then differentiate the state of acute stress from the state of post-traumatic stress. These two disorders are the consequence of traumatic past events: death, accident, serious illness, etc.

Other origins can also be associated with a stressful situation: smoking, the use of illicit substances, sleep disorders or even eating.

In particular, it was pointed out that people with chronic stress and faced with long-term stressful situations had a higher mortality rate.

Who is affected by stress?

Stress is a common situation in everyday life and can affect anyone.

However, the intensity of stress varies from person to person depending on their personality and ability to handle the stressful situation.

In particular, depressed and anxious individuals are at greater risk of dealing with daily stress.

A stressful situation can be like:

• a routine pressure, at work, at school, in the family or for any other responsibility;
• stress caused by changement sudden and unforeseen, such as a divorce, a change of work or the appearance of an illness;
• un traumatic episode : a natural disaster, an attack, etc.

Possible complications related to stress

Other health problems can then develop following a state of stress: weakening of the immune system making the individual more at risk of developing infections and diseases, digestive disorders, sleep disorders or even reproductive disorders.

But also, can be associated: headaches, difficulty falling asleep, a chronic negative state, irritability, mood disorders, etc.

Symptoms and treatments of a state of stress

Signs and symptoms of stress

Stress can manifest itself through emotional, mental and physical signs and symptoms.

Emotionally, a stressed person may find themselves overworked, irritable, anxious, anxious or even lose self-esteem.

Mentally, the signs can resemble an abuse of thought, a constant state of worry, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty making decisions and making choices.

The physical symptoms of stress are such as headache, muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbances, intense fatigue or eating disorders.

Other consequences can be associated with a state of chronic stress: alcohol and tobacco, an increase in violent gestures and behavior or even exclusion from social relationships.

In this sense, chronic stress should not be neglected and must be identified and treated as soon as possible.

Some tips for managing stress

Managing stress is possible!

Some tips and tricks allow you to detect and manage your state of stress:

• la sign recognition stress (emotional, physical and mental);
• la discussion with relatives and / or doctor;
• la physical activity daily and socialization ;
• of the relaxation exercises, like breathing exercises for example;
• identify and define its objectives and priorities;
• stay in touch with family, friends and all the people in their daily life;

How to deal with stress in the event of complications?

Means and techniques for managing stress exist and are recommended as a first resort. In this first step, breathing exercises, relaxation, well-being guides, etc. are available and useful.

The doctor’s consultation is then the second step, when the feeling of depression begins to be felt (after a few weeks of chronic stress) or even when an anxious state begins to invade everyday life.