The Impact Of Stress On The Mind & Body

Most of us have heard, “When life hands you lemons make lemonade”. None of us are exempt from suffering in one way or another. However, stress is so common that there’s a plethora of online articles offering ways to combat it. Stress is also linked with a series of physical problems that can come about after impacting on a person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Meier Clinic’s article, ‘Effects of Stress on The Body,’ by Dr Paul Meier explains clearly How the body and mind are both affected. “…Our bodies respond to stressors in a physical way. In prehistoric times, dealing with stress effectively was a matter of survival. Hunting for food, fending off enemy attacks, and fleeing from danger all required quick thinking and a healthy body ready to handle the problems that arose.

Stress in our lives has shifted from the physical hardships of survival of ancient times to coping with family conflicts, meeting deadlines, career goals, etc. However, our bodies still prepare for action through a series of physical changes. Hormones stimulate the release of stored fat and sugars into the bloodstream for quick energy. Breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration increase. Muscles tense, digestion slows, and thoughts flash rapidly through the mind, making concentration difficult.

The Body’s Reaction to Stress

• fatigue/exhaustion
• frequent colds/flu
• migraine headaches
• tension headaches
• upset stomach
• ulcers
• constipation/diarrhoea
• heartburn/acid indigestion
• missed menstrual cycle
• pounding or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• muscle aches or pains
• skin disorders
• insomnia
• dizzy or fainting spells
• dry mouth or throat
• shortness of breath/asthma
• choking/gagging/vomiting
• clinching or grinding teeth
• stuttering or speech problems
• frequent need to urinate
• trembling/nervous tics
• restless and keyed up feeling

How Stress Affects Our Behaviour

• less sexual activity
• more sexual activity
• increase use of prescription drugs
• drink more alcohol
• drink more coffee/tea/soft drinks
• eat more sweets
• take on more work
• thrust self into exercise
• random chaotic activity
• eat at irregular hours
• perfectionist/absorbed with details
• put more time in at work
• procrastinate – puts things off

The Mind’s Reaction to Stress

• tends to go blank
• becomes filled with too many thoughts
• becomes filled with mostly negative
• thoughts and worries
• can’t get certain unwanted thoughts or worries out of the mind
• loses track of time
• becomes forgetful
• can’t seem to concentrate on things
• tends to race from one thought to another
• periods of confusion or disorientation
• begins to think rigidly and can’t see more than one possible solution
• loses sense of humour or creativity
• loses interest in past time activities/hobbies
• frequently finds self-daydreaming
• frequent nightmares
• easily angered
• depressed
• resentful of others
• jealous of others
• loneliness and isolation
• cocky
• sarcastic/spiteful
• constant frustration
• helpless
• guilty
• shameful
• overwhelmed
• on edge or anxious
• disenchanted
• boredom
• cynical
• distrustful of others
• demoralised
• fretful

Ordinarily not all the symptoms will appear in one person at one time. These symptoms will vary with each individual and their circumstances.

There are 2 blogs on the topic of stress available on the aifc website titled, ‘ Adrenaline and Stress Connection’ and another titled, ‘Western Society – Losing the Battle Against Stress.’ By Dr Archibald Hart.

Sources: Permission attained Effects of Stress On the Body – Written by Dr. Paul Meier – Paul Meier Clinics http://www.meierclinics.com/

Where to Get Help

Talk to your doctor and see a mental health professional.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

–The beginning of each year in February
-Mid-Year courses commence in July

Enrolment Season – opens approximately 2 months prior our courses commencing. Enquire now and fill out the form with your details to receive course information by email.  Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

Those living overseas can study aifc’s courses via our Distance Based Program.
The International  Student Program,  enables those with a student visa to Study On Campus in Sydney.