|
Stages of Stress
In response
to stressful events, you can experience one, two or all of the following
stages:
Stage 1: Mobilization
of Energy
All bodily activity
is increased in response to a stressor that is frightening, such
as a near car accident. This starts the body's "fight-flight" reaction,
causing the release of adrenalin. You feel your heart pounding and
your palms feel sweaty. This is called primary stress.
It can also
be the result of a situations where you choose to put yourself under
stress (e.g. the night before your wedding). This is called secondary
stress.
SYMPTOMS:
- increased
heart rate and blood pressure
- rapid breathing
- sweating
- decreased
digestion rate, creating butterflies and indigestion
Stage 2: Exhaustion
or Consuming Energy
If there is
no escape from Stage 1, the body will begin to release stored sugars
and fats, using up its bodily resources.
SYMPTOMS:
- feeling
driven
- feeling
pressured
- tiredness
and fatigue * increase in smoking, coffee drinking and/or alcohol
consumption
- anxiety
- memory loss
- acute illnesses
such as colds and flu
Stage 3:
Draining Energy Stores
If the stressful
situation is not resolved, you may become chronically stressed.
The body's need for energy resources exceeds its ability to produce
them.
SYMPTOMS:
Serious
illnesses such as:
- heart disease
- ulcers
- mental illness
As well as:
- insomnia
(difficulty sleeping)
- errors in
judgement
- personality
changes
|
