Stress can cause much more than a feeling of frustration or an overwhelmed state. The truth is, stress can manifest physiologically. And this can cause the immune system to suffer, increasing the likelihood of getting sick.
In fact, until a holistic approach is taken to alleviate stress, a patient may suffer from prolonged sickness or illness caused by chronic stress.
Physical Manifestations of Stress
Stress affects the body in many ways. And many people report having physical pain in the head, gut, and chest when under significant stress. But the changes happening within the body can cause a person to suffer even more.
The following list includes several physical manifestations of stress:
- Weakened immune system
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Increased blood pressure
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Sexual dysfunction
- Gastrointestinal problems
Additionally, stress can also cause an inflammatory response in some people. And this can exacerbate chronic health conditions such as Psoriasis, Arthritis, Eczema, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia.
Emotional Stress
Stress can also trigger mental health issues. And if an individual already has mental health conditions, stress can make them seem much worse. For example, stress can affect anxiety disorders, clinical depression, social anxiety, and induce panic attacks.
This can also cause behavioral problems to arise as well. Not to mention disrupting one’s life to the point of affecting work balance and close relationships.
If you’re looking for a holistic way to combat stress, seeking out practitioners of functional medicine is a great place to start. Holistic practitioners at Tri-Cities Functional Medicine in Tennessee can help you if you’re constantly feeling sick due to chronic stress.
Read More About How Stress Affects Your Immune System