Many people feel constant pressure from family, friends, coworkers and employers to perform in ways that are beyond their abilities. The feelings of stress that result can affect them both physically and mentally in some surprising and alarming ways. Here are 10 of them.
Brain Atrophy
Recent studies confirm what many doctors have long believed: Stress is hard on the brain. Researchers reported stressful events such as losing a job or going through marital difficulties can actually shrink areas of the brain associated with emotions and certain physiological functions and cause mental problems.
Cancer
A study recently conducted on mice suggested that high levels of stress actually minimize the effects of cancer-fighting drugs. Cancer-ridden mice were placed under stress and given chemotherapy. The cancer cells in their bodies did not die because the adrenaline the mice produced rendered the medicine less effective.
Depression
Another study using mice showed the correlation between stress and depression. Mice placed under constant stress were inactive and ate less. These two things are typical symptoms of depression.
Chronic illness
Studies have recently determined that people with long-term anxieties are more apt to develop chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease than people with a more relaxed attitude.
Heart attacks
Studies have shown that there is a 27 percent increase in the risk of cardiac arrest for people who feel a constant high level of stress. There is also a 42 percent greater risk of dying after a heart attack for those same people.
Strokes
The risk of stroke has been shown to increase with increased amounts of tension. Individuals with Type A personalities and high levels of stress are more prone strokes than their mellower peers.
Common colds
The effects of stress on the immune system have recently been shown to make colds worse. Researchers noted a higher level of cortisol in sick people under a great amount of stress. The hormone is known to intensify the inflammatory response of the body during colds.
Long-term cancer outcome
Researchers found that the more anxiety breast cancer patients felt during diagnosis and treatment, the greater the likelihood they would eventually succumb to the disease. A positive outlook was noted to increase the chance of a fast recovery.
Premature aging
Children who were constantly bullied or who had witnessed frequent acts of violence had cellular characteristics usually seen in much older individuals.
Generational damage
Studies have shown that the effects of stress can be passed on to a person’s descendants. Genetic changes due to stress were previously thought to be erased in offspring.
If you are feeling the effects of stress in your life, a Myers Briggs type personality test can help you understand why you are stressed and how to manage it. The test is designed to identify your personality type and help your interaction with coworkers, family members and other people who can be a source of constant stress.
Jonathan is a blogger who loves to deal with personal development. He is a good adviser as well; he gives reasonable advices to family and friends about their personal problem. He belives that one of the best ways to improve self and relationship with others is to stay away from stress. Asses your stress tolerance now by undergoing to myers briggs type personality test.
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