What is Chronic Stress?

Chronic stress is continual exposure to acute stressors, and may lead to serious mental health issues, such as depression, as well as physical ailments, including heart problems. When an individual suffers from the condition, he inadequately adapts to stress, causing high levels of hormones called glucocorticoids to remain in the blood and tissues. When these hormones linger, it negatively impacts the body. Chronic stress can be induced by a number of factors, including work, relationships, and financial worries. With the condition, an individual may eventually grow accustomed to a feeling of hopelessness, but the ailment can often be treated with medication and therapy.

Mental symptoms associated with high stress levels often include difficulty remembering things, poor judgment, constant worry, and lack of concentration. Emotionally, an individual suffering from abundant stress may feel overwhelmed and experience moodiness, irritability, and feelings of isolation. Physical symptoms of chronic stress may include headaches, backaches, muscle tension and trouble sleeping. Other physical indicators may include constantly being tired, changes in weight, and even heart palpitations. Social and behavioral symptoms related to abundant stress may include isolating oneself, overreacting to situations, pacing, and nail biting.

Chronic stress may arise due to a situation that lingers or is ongoing, such as a troubled relationship or an illness. The condition is exasperated by internal stressors, such as fears and expectations. Over time, the constant worrying may have long lasting effects and may even become fatal.

A person suffering from the condition is also prone to certain health risks. A person with chronic stress puts himself at risk for cardiovascular diseases, as stress causes the heart to work faster. Stress also leads to the constriction of arteries and thickening of the blood, which promotes blood clots. In high stress levels can increase blood pressure, which puts a person at greater risk for strokes.

Persistent stress also puts an individual at risk for infections and immune disorders. High stress levels causes a person's white blood cell count to increase, making her vulnerable to colds and the flu, as well as conditions like eczema and lupus. In addition, a person suffering from constant stress is at risk for developing diabetes. High stress levels makes a person more resistant to insulin, which is needed to regulate blood sugar levels.

Chronic stress can be managed through exercise, getting at least seven hours of sleep daily, and eating a healthier diet. Therapy may also be helpful for a person with the condition. Cognitive behavior therapy aims to change a person's thoughts and behaviors that are causing perceived stress. Biofeedback therapy focuses on teaching people ways to deal with physiological responses to stressful circumstances.