Stress is a part of the human condition, a gift from nature to help keep us motivated. Stress affects virtually everyone at some time in their life. As well as the emotional and psychological disruption it causes, stress-related medical problems are becoming increasingly common. Stress is often associated with situations you perceive as difficult to handle. When you feel that your life is being “pushed” or “pulled” in different directions, then you are undergoing stress. Stress can be brought about by a traumatic accident, death, or emergency situation. Stress can also be a side effect of a serious illness or disease. Stress can take on many different forms, and can contribute to symptoms of illness. Common symptoms include headache, sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, short-temper, upset stomach, job dissatisfaction, low morale, depression, and anxiety. Some people are simply biologically prone to stress; many outside factors influence susceptibility as well.

When stress is handled in a negative manner it usually leads to depression. To come out of this depression many take the harmful help of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, all of which give a sense of stress relief. Most people can cope with short periods of stress, and it can often be relieved by relaxing, taking a walk, chatting through issues with friends, or having a good night’s sleep. Everyone reacts to stress differently, but there are some common effects that help us recognise it. In times of extreme stress, people may shake uncontrollably, hyperventilate (breathe faster and deeper than normal) or even vomit. Another big negative effect from stress is the way people choose to deal with it. They take serious drugs like nicotine, alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs, eat food, etc. Stress triggers changes in our bodies and makes us more likely to get sick. It can also make problems we already have worse. There are many stress management techniques in the form of counselling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.

Causes of Stress

The common causes and risk factor’s of stress:

• Threats of physical violence.
• Family conflicts.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Family history.
• Pressure to perform at work, at school or in sports.
• Lack of social support.