Table of Contents
What is extreme stress?
Extreme stress is often caused by significant life events, such as losing a loved one, ending a relationship or moving to another city. In many cases, people who live through these events can suffer from extreme stress symptoms.
Stress is the body’s automatic response to any demand or threat. It can be either mild or severe, temporary or ongoing, but it always signals the body’s alarm system to take action.
Psychological stress happens when a person is under pressure or has extreme emotions. Acute stress symptoms are intense behavioural symptoms that occur after a stressful situation or during a chronic stress situation. Depending on the type of extreme stress symptoms encountered, it might be short-term or long-term. When intense stress symptoms last for more than one day, it becomes extreme stress.
Stress has the power to alter your emotions, behaviors, cognitive function, and physical health. There is no immunity to any of the body’s parts. On the other hand, stress symptoms may vary since people respond to stress differently. The emotional symptoms might be vague or mistaken for a medical condition.
Extreme stress symptoms can be physical, emotional or behavioral aberrations. People usually experience undue stress from intense emotions such as anxiety or extreme sadness or from extreme events such as a terrorist attack. Certain people are more likely to suffer extreme stress than others, such as those with strong personalities or extreme lives.
What happens to the body in extreme stress?
The autonomic nervous system regulates your heart rate, respiration, vision, and other bodily functions. The body’s built-in stress response, known as the “fight-or-flight response,” aids the body in dealing with stressful conditions, implying that high stress might trigger a whole-body reaction. When people feel excessive pressure, the autonomic nervous system gets activated and causes many negative extreme stress symptoms.
What is the mechanism that initiates this fight-or-flight response?
The autonomic nervous system is a control system that regulates the body’s internal environment. It does this by activating or deactivating parts of your body. When something stressful happens, the body releases hormones and chemicals into the bloodstream to initiate this fight-or-flight response mechanism. The following are examples of these hormones/chemicals:
- Adrenaline
- Enkephalins
- Noradrenalin
- Cortisol
Physical extreme stress symptoms?
Physical symptoms of extreme stress include the following: muscle tension, increased heart rate, shaking hands, pain in muscles and joints, nausea, dizziness, tightness in the chest.
One of the most well-known physical indicators of high stress levels is a heart attack. This condition occurs when too much pressure builds in your arteries and arms them in fatty plaques. These plaques are sharp, but unfortunately, they break into smaller pieces that can completely block your artery, causing heart attack symptoms.
Other common physical symptoms of extreme stress include:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate can lead to a heightened risk of developing a heart attack, diabetes, or stroke.
- Muscle tension and pain in the back, shoulders and neck. This extreme stress symptom commonly occurs with people who have extreme difficulty relaxing their muscles. More extreme stress can lead to severe muscle tension, which means muscles ache all over the body very badly. Strained muscles are also likely to be stiff, tight or painful. Extreme stress reactions can be dangerous because they keep muscles tense for a long time, leading to chronic muscle tension and pain or spasms.
- Chest pain may spread to the shoulders and down one or both arms.
- Breathing symptoms where a person may feel difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, air hunger, breathlessness, or rapid breathing
- Flu-like symptoms come on suddenly, even when a person is not sick with the flu. Stress might make you more susceptible to illnesses and weaken your immune system. The adrenal glands release cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone, when a person is afraid or apprehensive. The role of cortisol is to inhibit the immune system, namely the inflammatory response, temporarily. Unwittingly, the body is exposed to infections due to this activity to free up energy to deal with dangers.
- Acne. Acne is the most apparent form of stress. Adult acne and outbreaks are caused by inflammation exacerbated by stress. When people are worried, they are more likely to touch their faces, which can spread bacteria and lead to acne. Hormonal changes, germs, excessive oil production, and plugged pores, in addition to stress, are other reasons for acne.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Headaches. When people are worried, they commonly stiffen their necks and shoulders. Lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and dehydration are frequent headaches.
- Palpitations of the heart.
- Tightness in the chest, feeling that your throat is closing over.
- Appetite change. During times of stress, changes in appetite are common, and stress causes the body to release hormones that influence hunger and the desire to eat.
- Stomach or digestive problems. Eating helps some people feel more relaxed, so stress can affect digestion by slowing it down or speeding it up.
- Sweating. Stress, heat, and physical exertion can all trigger the sweat gland. Anxiety is caused by stress, and it always results in quicker heartbeats and sweating.
- Increased alertness (hypervigilance), such as an enhanced startle response or constantly feeling on guard for danger. Depending on the source of stress, hypervigilance may also be associated with fear and anxiety. Hypervigilance can also lead to feelings of panic, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and completing tasks, and fatigue.
- Feeling of choking or smothering, as if the walls were closing in on you.
- Nausea, diarrhea, or other abdominal distress (symptoms can be digestive or stress-related).
- Trembling or shaking.
- Insomnia. The chronically stressed often have trouble sleeping, either because they spend too much time worrying at night or become overly excited during the day and cannot calm down enough to fall asleep.
- Exhaustion. The adrenal glands that respond to stress can be especially active during sleep, which shortens the length of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and causes many people under pressure to awaken unrefreshed.
What are the psychological symptoms of extreme stress?
Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety and fear. These often occur with physical symptoms because extreme stress quickly overloads the body. For example, constant muscle tension can cause aches and pain, which increases blood pressure which causes a more robust fight-or-flight response which then causes more physical symptoms.
- Nervousness and anxiety. These feelings are caused by the body’s release of hormones that increase heart rate, heighten awareness and focus, and prompt the liver to release glucose for energy. Anxiety becomes extreme at times of great stress, such as during a battle or an earthquake. The stress experienced by a terrified person can be comparable to that of a soldier in combat, a prisoner of war, or a survivor of torture.
- Depression. People who feel helpless because they have no control over how they react to a stressful incident are more likely to develop depression and other mental health issues.
- Inability to concentrate. When people are under constant stress, they often find it difficult to focus. Poor concentration maybe because the fight-or-flight response diverts blood flow away from the brain to help prepare for action.
- Lack of sexual desire or drive.
- Tired but wired. When you’re stressed, you may have trouble winding down at night and relaxing enough to fall asleep. Then when morning comes, you may be so tired that you can’t pay attention at work or during your daily activities.
Extreme stress symptoms are not limited to the physical or psychological side of things. Many people find that during prolonged stress, they feel separated from God and their spirituality or become easily angered, irritable or impatient with others. Others complain about feeling unappreciated at work and by those closest to them, and many report feeling mentally and emotionally drained, exhausted or overwhelmed.
Risk factors for extreme stress symptoms
- A previous history of experiencing severe stress
- Family members who have a history of mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorder
- Conditions such as Parkinson disease
- History of substance abuse (i.e., alcohol or drug problems)
- A history of having faced traumatic events or abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual abuse) at an early age
- A history of having faced multiple stressful events or changes in a short period
- Lack of social support
- Problems with a spouse, partner, friends, family members, the boss at work
- Issues with children/grandchildren
- Issues with aging parents/in-laws
- Financial difficulties
- Health problems
- Having an illness that causes pain, discomfort, or prolonged stress (e.g., cancer)
- Having a chronic disease (i.e., hypertension/heart disease)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Other factors that contribute to lack of support at home, work or among friends and family members may also lead to extreme stress symptoms.
What are the effects of extreme stress?
Extreme stress can cause many health problems if it becomes chronic, including the following: heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, migraines and frequent infections. It can also interfere with personal relationships and activities.
When experiencing extreme stress, it is common for people to experience physical symptoms. Hair loss, toothache, weight gain or loss, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, exhaustion, and headaches are just a few of the physical symptoms.
One of the most prevalent mental effects of extreme stress is depression. Symptoms of depression are related to prolonged stress include irritability, poor concentration and memory, loss of interest in normal daily activities, appetite changes, and weight changes.
Physical effects of stress include persistent muscle tension and pressure. When experiencing intense physical symptoms related to extreme stress, including headaches and muscular pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
It’s also crucial to recognize that higher levels of stress might increase the likelihood of acquiring further mental and physical problems, such as heart disease.
How can you lessen the impact of extreme stress?
One way to lessen the impact of extreme stress is through relaxation, including deep breathing techniques. Changing your thought processes can also help reduce the effects of extreme stress. Learning to cope with difficult situations is another meaningful way to lessen the impact of extreme stress.
While coping with extreme stress can be difficult, learning more about different coping techniques may help. Ways to cope with the effects of extreme stress include taking time for oneself, limiting exposure to stressful situations and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
When experiencing extreme stress, people must relax and unwind to ease their minds and body. This can be done through exercising, spending time in nature, listening to calming music and practicing deep breathing exercises.
In addition to taking time out for themselves, it is also vital that people spend enough time with family and friends to reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness. It is also essential that people invest their time in other activities that they find rewarding, whether this is an activity with career goals or their favorite pastime.
If you feel that extreme stress symptoms are affecting your ability to function at home or in the workplace, it is recommended by health care professionals to seek help from a trained therapist.
When experiencing extreme stress symptoms, people need to remember that they are not alone and that there is always someone who can listen to them. By reducing their stress now, they can feel better now and in the long run.
Summary of Excessive Stress Symptoms
Extreme stress manifests itself in a variety of physical and psychological forms. Physical symptoms include muscle tension, shaking hands/feet, pain in muscles and joints, nausea and dizziness. Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety and fear. Extreme stress can cause many health problems if it becomes chronic, including heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, migraines and frequent infections. Relaxation techniques that help lower the fight-or-flight response can help mitigate the effects of extreme stress. Learn to cope with difficult situations and change the way you think.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What are some of the worst symptoms caused by extreme stress?
Extreme stress can cause you to have a heart attack, stroke or develop diabetes. It also increases the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. The good news is that there are many things we can do to combat extreme stress, including
- Exercising regularly,
- Taking time out for yourself and your loved ones,
- Reducing alcohol consumption if feeling stressed out often by drinking in moderation instead of binge drinking which only makes things worse
- Establishing social ties with friends and family members who understand how difficult it is sometimes to juggle work life with personal life when one has little free time due to long hours at work
- Meditation and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation where one focuses on their breath or yoga which helps release tension from our muscles
Can extreme stress cause flu-like symptoms?
Yes, extreme stress can cause flu-like symptoms.
Stress is a significant factor in developing many chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and even depression. It has been established that those who experience high levels of acute or chronic stress have an increased risk of developing a respiratory tract infection due to the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland, which increases airway smooth muscle tone, resulting in mucus hypersecretion from glands found within your throat—this action results in post-nasal drip (PND). In addition, people under extreme amounts of pressure are more likely to develop upper respiratory infections because they’re not getting enough sleep which impairs their immune system’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses appropriately.
What happens to your body when you are under a lot of stress?
The body can be harmed by a regular and ongoing increase in heart rate and elevated levels of stress hormones and blood pressure. Chronic stress can increase your risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke over time.
How can you know if you’re being killed by stress?
When you’re under a lot of stress regularly, it’ll kill you! Memory loss, attention problems, sleeplessness, and mental illnesses are potential dangers. According to all evidence, long-term chronic stress can kill you if you don’t take action, and it can harm your nervous system by causing a continual burst of adrenaline.
Is it possible for stress to make you physically ill?
Low energy is one of the physical indicators of stress. Headaches. Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are all symptoms of an upset stomach.
Is it possible for your brain to shut down due to stress?
Previous research has revealed that when the brain is under stress, the cortical networks involved in creativity, contemplation, planning, and abstract thinking shut down. While this may appear to be a flaw, it is positive when confronted with physical threats.
Is it true that stress might shorten your life?
People can live 2.8 years less if they are under a lot of stress. These findings are based on a study in which researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare evaluated the effects of several risk variables on men’s and women’s life expectancy, including lifestyle-related risk factors.
Is it possible for stress to trigger a stroke?
Stress causes the heart to work harder, raises blood pressure, and raises blood sugar and fat levels. Blood clots have the potential to develop and move to the heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke if certain stress conditions are present.
What effect does stress have on the brain?
It can cause synapse control to be disrupted, resulting in a loss of sociability and avoidance of social contacts. Stress can harm brain cells and cause the brain to shrink in size. Chronic stress decreases the prefrontal cortex, which is important for memory and learning.
Why am I unable to cope with stress?
Anything stress-free that will divert your attention away from your worries while requiring minimal effort on your part. Constantly feeling under pressure can be a symptom of a mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder. (It can also be a contributing factor in mental disease!) Dealing with an underlying mental illness can drastically alter one’s life.
What is the most effective stress reliever?
The most commonly prescribed anxiety medicine is benzodiazepines (sometimes known as tranquillizers). Alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are fast-acting drugs that provide relief in 30 to 60 minutes.
Is there a stress medication?
Medication. Because stress is a reaction to events in your life rather than a mental health issue, there is no specific medication for stress.
