16 Things That Actually Happen To The Body When You Stress-Out

Is stress truly the #1 killer? According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Not to mention, more than 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.

So, why aren’t more people taking stress seriously?

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Everyone expresses stress from time to time. But when it becomes a daily habit and turns into chronic stress, it could put your health at serious risk.

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Curious about what it actually does to the body? Here are 16 warning signs that can indicate you’re experiencing chronic stress:

• 1. Headaches: Stress can trigger and intensify tension headaches.
• 2. Increased Depression: Chronic stress can wear you down emotionally and lead to depression.
• 3. Heartburn: Stress increases the production of stomach acid, which could lead to heartburn or make it worse.
• 4. Insomnia: Stress makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can lead to insomnia.
• 5. Rapid Breathing: When you’re stressed, the muscles that help you breathe tense up, which can leave you short of breath.
• 6. Weakened Immune System: Long-term stress weakens your immune system’s defenses, leaving you more vulnerable to infections.
• 7. Risk of Heart Attack: Over time, an increased heart rate and high blood pressure damage your arteries, which could lead to a heart attack.
• 8. High Blood Sugar: Stress causes your liver to release extra sugar (glucose) into your bloodstream, which over time puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes.
• 9. Pounding Heart: Stress hormones make your heart pump faster so that blood can quickly reach your vital organs and limbs.
• 10. High Blood Pressure: Stress hormones tighten blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure.
• 11. Fertility Problems: Stress interferes with the reproductive system in both men and women, and may make it harder to conceive.
• 12. Stomachache: Stress affects your body’s digestive system, which can lead to stomachaches, nausea, and other tummy troubles.
• 13. Erectile Dysfunction: Your brain plays an important part in the process of getting an erection. Stress can interfere with this process.
• 14. Low Sex Drive: Stress, and the fatigue that often comes with it, can take a toll on your libido.
• 15. Missed Periods: Fluctuating hormones can throw your menstrual cycle off, or in severe cases stop it altogether.
• 16. Tense Muscles: Stress makes muscles tense up, and chronic stress can lead to tension-related headaches and backaches.

Think you may be experiencing chronic stress? Contact your local doctor for immediate assistance and learn more on our Health Conditions page on BlackDoctor.org.

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Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.