Karanja Njenga

 Dangers of stress Student’s Name University Course Professor Date Dangers of stress Stress is a physical and emotional tension caused by events that make one feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. A short burst of stress or acute stress can be positive, but undergoing stress for long periods, which is medically referred to as chronic stress, is dangerous to physical health, mental health, and emotional health. The first dangerous effect of stress is promoting certain diseases. Some illnesses, including cancer, suicide, liver cirrhosis, heart diseases, asthma, and lung diseases, have been linked to stress (Krans, 2016). Research at the John Hopkins University revealed that children exposed to chronic stress have a higher probability of developing mental illnesses (Krans, 2016). Stress is a physiological response by the body to threats, and when one is stressed, the body will respond. Some responses include blood vessels constriction, blood pressure, faster breathing, and the pulse rising. When the body experiences these psychological responses for a long time, it leads to health-related problems. Research has established that stress will decrease the blood flow and heart rate, which subsequently causes different hormones and cortisol to be released into the bloodstream (Krans, 2016). The adrenaline rush initiated by such stress response causes health risks, and the effects can be more significant when the body releases subsequent cortisol. Coristol serves very critical functions in the body, including subsidizing inflammation (Krans, 2016). A huge amount of cortisol in the bloodstream causes inflammation of blood vessels and brain cells. Additionally, stress makes it difficult to control one's emotions. People with stress easily get triggered, and research reveals that stress often causes people to lose their cool (Krans, 2016). Constant restlessness leads to anxiety characterized by an overwhelming feeling of dread which is aggravated by a persistent sadness (Krans, 2016). Stress levels at home or work will portray different symptoms of anxiety and irritability. Researchers have revealed that irritability and constant anger is a common trait for people with stress (Krans, 2016). Mental stress and stress-related heart attacks result from a lot of anger and anxiety (Krans, 2016). Many strategies have been recommended to keep anger levels down and anxiety at bay to ensure that they do not adversely affect mental and physical health. In a press release by Candace Raio, mild stress that people undergo in daily life can impair cognitive abilities, including fear and anxiety control (Krans, 2016). Stress leads to long-term disability. Researchers recommend that even mild stress should not be taken lightly because it can lead to permanent disability, rendering one unable to work (Krans, 2016). A study on 17000 Swedish adults aged between 18 and 64 revealed that prolonged stress leads to disability (Krans, 2016). Chronic stress has been primarily attributed to the steadily declining life expectancy and other factors such as suicide, alcohol, and drug addiction (Krans, 2016). Patients undergoing chronic stress tend to lose brain tissue in the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain (Krans, 2016). This part of the brain is responsible for cognitive functions and affects the brain that controls exercising and movement. The loss of brain tissues on the part that controls the physical movement of the body and cognitive function subsequently leads to disability. Chronic stress leads to difficulty in concentrating and remembering things. The pre-frontal cortex part of the brain also controls the brain's ability towards empathy (Krans, 2016). Stress leads to psychological and emotional disorders, including depression and panic attacks, all of which are harmful to the body (Krans, 2016). Depression affects about 16% of the world population, and out of this, at least 10% will lead to chronic depression (Krans, 2016). Symptoms of chronic depression include feelings of hopelessness, mood depression, and anhedonia, which is a decreased appetite for food, sex and socialization, sleep, and increased risk of suicide (Krans, 2016). The long-term effects of depression include dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, and faster aging (Krans, 2016). Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, and reduced secretion of dopamine, which is the feel-good hormone. People who often undergo stress lead to unhealthy behaviors that eventually lead to depression. Additionally, stress weakens the immune system (Krans, 2016). The mind and body have a deep connection because high stress makes the body suffer a weakened immune system. Stress leads to increased levels of immune chemicals in the body. Chronic stress leads to autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and inflammation which lead to dysfunctionalities of the immune system (Krans, 2016). Additionally, stress leads to faster aging and all reduces one’s life span. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, which leads to loss of control over the latent viruses by the immunological control, which subsequently results in gene and chromosome mutation that has been associated with leukemia and lymphoma. Over many years of chronic stress, the immune system will become weakened, overworked, and tired, and unable to protect the body anymore. In conclusion, a little stress on the body is not bad. However, continuous stress leads to adverse effects on the body, including psychological and emotional disorders, weakening of the immune system, disability, illnesses, and difficulty controlling emotions. References Krans, B. (2016, August 4). Nine Ways Stress is More Dangerous Than You Think. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/mental-eight-ways-stress-harms-your-health-082713.