Symptoms of stress

Psychological Symptoms
Psychological effects are caused by increased cortisol level and its metabolites and other accumulated metabolic products. The symptoms involve:
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Outbursts of anger
• Head ache
• Irritability
• Dependence on alcohol
• Lack of concentration
Stress is a typical physiological reaction. When the trigger disappears the symptoms lessen and the body returns back to normal. However, if the trigger persists, then at least some of the symptoms still occur. They could caused by persistently high levels of stress hormones, depletion of energy stores, accumulation of toxic metabolites and in some cases depletion of stress hormones with inability to handle stress. The long term effects of this can cause:
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Weight loss
• Substance abuse
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Allergic disorders like Asthma and eczema.
• Irritable Bowel Disease
• Ischemic Bowel Disease like Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
As you can see the list of stress physical symptoms and psychological symptoms is long and exhaustive. The effects are very serious, but the remedy is always available. A correct observation of the signs and symptoms of stress and an appropriate treatment method atarted at the right time can deal with most of the problems and allow the affected person to lead a normal life.

Diversion of the Blood from Less Vital to More Vital Organs
Blood is diverted from less vital places such as skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, spleen, bone and muscle to more important organs, for example brain, heart and adrenals. This is often referred to as ‘Diving reflex’ though the term is mostly used in the context of newborns. The effects of this condition are:
• Cold and clammy skin with gooseflesh standing out.
• Frequent passing of stools - the Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Aggravation of existing Peptic Ulcer.
• Loss of appetite.
• Severe muscular pain, particularly muscles of posture resulting in back pain and neck pain.
• Dryness of throat and therefore difficulty in speaking and swallowing.
Increase in the Heart Rate to Supply More Blood Quickly
The typical heart rate in adults is 100 beats per minute supplying about 5 litres of blood. To provide more nutrient to the body the heart rate increases. Additionally associated dilatation of the blood vessels occurs. These lead to palpitation, chest pain, flushing and feeling of warmth.
Increase in the Blood Pressure to Supply Blood Efficiently
To supply the increased cardiac output efficiently, the blood pressure increases which can cause headaches and precipitation of heart attack together with collection of fluids in the lungs in a heart.
Mobilization of Energy Stores
Because the body requires more energy during stress, additional amount of glucose is mobilized to server that purpose. Glucose is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle. Glycogen is broken down into glucose by the hormone cortisol. This leads to: depletion of energy stores, hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels) and increased viscosity of blood as well as more chances of vessel block.
Depletion of Proteins and Fats
The hormone cortisol converts non carbohydrate substrates such as protein and fat into glucose which can cause weight loss.
Other Symptoms
• Suppression of immunity causing infection
• Over reaction of immune system leading to flare ups of Asthma, Psoriasis, Arthritis, Lupus and Urticaria.
• Increased appetite causing weight gain.
• Insomnia
• Loss of sexual drive
• Memory disturbances.