Stress is a state of mental, physical or emotional tension that is caused by external factors, better known as stressors. These stressors vary in their derivation and nature. Some of them could have an internal source. A good instance of internal stressor is a deficiency of self-confidence that a person may face while doing some work. A stressor could even be external in its origin. A student feeling 'tensed' due to his exams is an example of external pressure. These stressors can have an effect on a person in changeable proportions and for different periods. Posttraumatic stress is an example of prolonged stress.
Posttraumatic stress has been recognized as body’s continued fight against the pressures causing stress. Stress may be a major factor in causing illnesses that could be fatal at times. Researchers are of the opinion that stress disrupts the body's homeostasis or the state of equilibrium, thus resulting in the weakening of the immune system. Constant degradation of the body's defense mechanism can lead to serious illnesses. Thus, stress itself is suitably recognized a medical condition. A common example of stress because of trauma is seen in soldiers post war conditions. Posttraumatic stress disorder was also known as shell shock during the First World War I and battle fatigue after World War II. Patients of PTSD complained depression, nightmares, feelings of guilt for having survived, and flashbacks of the horrific events. Some of them became sensitive to noise and some even became violent in their conduct.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect anyone. It is ordinarily seen in approximately 5% of men and 10% of women at some point in their lives. Symptoms of this disorder typically develop instantaneously or within the period of three months from the happening of a traumatic event. These symptoms start surfacing much later in case of many of the patients. Some common symptoms of posttraumatic stress are flashbacks, nightmares, profuse sweating, avoidance of discussing the experience, feeling of detachment from near and dear ones, decreased interest in life etc. Up until now, it has not been completely understood as to why some people develop PTSD after a harrowing experience, while others do not.
Typicality in the genetic make up that may cause some people to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. The hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and emotions, appears different in case of MRI scans of the patients suffering from PTSD. Researchers believe that these noticeable changes to the hippocampus area are connected to memory problems and flashbacks or painful or harrowing incidents. Studies have revealed that people suffering from PTSD, respond abnormally on a hormonal level when exposed to stress. People who perceive some sort of danger usually produce natural opiates that activate a response in the body when subjected to stress. It has been discovered that people who suffer from posttraumatic stress continue the production of high levels of these opiates even when there is no danger. This may contribute to a feeling of numbness and detachment. PSTD is a serious disorder and needs to be dealt with patience and care.
Our lives have become much more stressful in the last 30 years. As a result, the need for managing stress has arisen. Stress is defined to be the body's reaction to any changes in our life. Stress is, in a way, a signal which prepares us or getting prepared for eventuality. Thus, some amount of stress is essential for a healthy and lively life. However, the problem arises when stress increases beyond limit and you are under stress for a very long time. Facing stress for a prolonged time can give rise to serious types of illnesses which can be both mental as well as physical.
In extreme cases you can take professional help for managing stress. However, in mild cases some simple things can help you help you manage your stress. Laughter, positive imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation are some them.
Laughter is the best tool which definitely helps when it comes to managing stress. Spend much of your time with cheering around with people. Even if there are not much people around, books and videocassettes also are enough to make a person laugh and feel happy. Try taking everything lightly and cheerfully. You are not going to attain anything by worrying too much.
Thinking something positively and forgetting negative or unwanted things can keep you away from stress. Visualize that you are having the things which you like or you have always wanted in your life. The positive mental image that you will visualize will definitely bring changes in your mental state and emotions.
Deep breathing also is one of the practically effective techniques of reducing stress. Concentrate on your breathing a number times during a day. You can do this anywhere and anytime during a day. The deep breath should be right from the pit of your stomach, and inhalation should only be through the nose. Feel of energy coming in your which is revitalizing your body. Breathing out should be through the mouth, and it should be quiet, relaxing, sounding like, “whooossshhh”.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique which was developed by an American physiologist Edmund Jacobson. It is based on the principle that body responds to anxiety-provoking situations and thoughts with muscle tension. Muscular relaxation reduces such mental and bodily tension. The procedure for managing stress through muscular relaxation is a four step procedure which you can do at your home and without anybody's help.
These are only four of the several useful techniques for managing stress. However, if such techniques do not help you, you can also take professional help i.e. from a reliable physiologist. He will first of all diagnose your case and study the conditions which have given rise to stress.
It is quite possible to measure stress and stress is actually measured in the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. Even devices that measure blood pressure as well as galvanic skin response are useful for this purpose.
Then depending upon your case he can use any of the techniques available for managing stress. Some of them are Autogenic Training, Cognitive Therapy, conflict resolution, exercise, meditation, deep breathing, relaxation techniques (fractional relaxation, progressive relaxation, stress balls) natural medicine, clinically validated alternative treatments, time management and music therapy. Also there are some medications available for relieving a person from severe stress.
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