Stress

Stress affects us all. A little stress is OK — some stress is actually beneficial — too much stress can wear you down and make you sick, both mentally and physically.
However, stress can become a chronic condition if a person does not take steps to manage it.

Symptoms of stress include:

• Feeling unusually tired
• Headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Appetite loss or gain
• Dizziness
• Run-down
• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you may not realize it

The stress hormone, cortisol, is public health enemy Number One. Cortisol is released in response to fear or stress by the adrenal glands as part of the fight-or-flight mechanism. Once the alarm to release cortisol has sounded, your body becomes mobilized and ready for action — but there has to be a physical release of fight or flight. Otherwise, cortisol levels build up in the blood, which wreaks havoc on your mind and body.

Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease— and the list goes on.

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels also increase one’s risk of depression, mental illness, and decreased resilience — especially in adolescence.

Contact us if you are suffering from stress symptoms!