Stress and Disease (Page 1 of 4)

Stress and Coping

Throughout life everyone encounters both good and bad changes that produce stress. For example, the death of a family member, the loss of a job, the birth of a child, and changes in one's eating or exercise habits are all potentially stressful events. People differ in what they perceive as stressful and how they cope with stress-producing situations. It is important for each person to find ways to manage stress effectively.

Excessive stress, produced by physiological or psychological stressors, may lead to sickness or disease. Insomnia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased appetite, muscular tension, and headaches are physical symptoms of stress. Colitis, ulcers, hypertension, stroke, and coronary heart disease are medical problems associated with excessive stress. Some of the psychological effects of excessive stress are anxiety, depression, irritability, poor memory, and anger.

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