& what to do about it
Getty / Verywell Mind
Theres a lot to be stressed about these days.
Daily responsibilities,financial issues,political turmoil, the pressure to succeedthe list goes on.
People more than ever are feeling the mounting intensity of stress and may be suffering from the physical consequences.
Getty / Verywell Mind
Some may even be experiencing overstress, which is essentially the amped-up cousin of stress.
Think you’re one of the few suffering from overstress?
Don’t fretyou’re not alone and there are plenty of options for help.
differences between regular stress and its more intense counterpart.
There isnt any way to avoid stress in our livesit is a natural part of being human.
The concern is when the stress tips over into the territory of overstress.
While overstress may not be more commonly known, you’re able to think of it aschronic stress.
Stress v. Overstress
Think of it like this: cramming for finals is stressful.
But it only happens a couple of times a year.
However, working a high-pressure job with constant quick and intense deadlines can lead to chronic stress.
Youre having prolonged exposure to stressful events, which can leave you feeling overstressed.
What Causes Overstress?
So, when does stress turn into overstress?
Licensed marriage and family therapistKim Slipskihas a few answers.
Licensed marriage and family therapistLauren Pietraexpressed similar sentiments.
Signs You May Be Overstressed
Anyone else struggling to know when they’tr stressed or overstressed?
Here are the key signs that youre suffering from overstress.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Some folks will havesleep issueswhen highly stressed.
However, being overstressed can result in full-blowninsomnia, which means youre consistentlyunable to get the quality sleepyou need.
Frequent Headaches
Overstress can manifest into physical ailments includingheadaches.
Stress is linked to a disruptive digestive system.
Increased Heart Rate
If youve been super stressed before, you likely have experienced a racing heart.
But did you know that your heart rate isn’t actually rising exponentially?
Skin Problems like Acne
Ever notice your skin breaking out inzitswhen youre going through stress?
The correlation is real, though it is somewhat understudied.
Weakened Immune System
When it rains, it pours.
Perhaps youve noticed a tickle in your throat every time yourstressamps up.
Or, you might get a full-blown bug when life hits you hard.
Chronic Pain
A recent study found 20 to 30% of adults experiencechronic pain.
Thats nearly a quarter to a third of the population struggling with recurrent physical comfort.
Decreased Sex Drive
Overstress can wreak havoc on ourrelationshipsplatonically, professionally, and romantically.
You may have noticed that youre not in the mood when youre stressed out.
When youre stressed, you will release stress hormones.
These stress hormones, specifically cortisol and epinephrine, are part of your bodys naturalfight-or-flight response.
But, your body has to pull resources from somewhere to generate those extra stress hormones regularly.
Getting Help
By now, some of you may be realizing you are indeed overstressed.
Luckily, there are solutions to help you feel better.
First, consider ways you’ve got the option to amp up your support.
Pietra suggests sharing how youre feeling with someone you trust.
Build Up a Care Team
Another important aspect is to consider building up a care team.
She also recommends checking in with your primary care doctor.
Finally, see how you’re free to incorporate small pockets of stress relief throughout your day.
Those small acts of kindness towards yourself can add up to a big payoff.
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Current evidence and implications for management.The Journal of Headache and Pain.
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