We use the word when we feel that everything seems out of control. Often we talk about it but are unsure about what it is. This could be attributed to the fact that every individual is unique, and the way an individual experiences stress is very different from another.

In small doses stress can help us enhance energy levels and keep us vigilant. This type of stress is good. If we do not feel stress at all, we would not be alive. As the intensity of trigger increases, stress eventually surpasses our strength to cope in a confident and positive way. Every individual reacts to triggers differently, and only the person experiencing the trigger could assess his tolerability to stress.

Stress is not an easy term to define. It is a subjective phenomenon which defies definition. If one could not define stress, how could one possibly measure it? The term “stress” as it is in current use was coined by Hans Selye in 1936. He defined it as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change”. Selye had noted in numerous experiments that laboratory animals subjected to acute but different painful physical and emotional stimuli (blaring light, deafening noise, extremes of heat or cold, perpetual frustration) all exhibited the same pathologic changes such as stomach ulcerations, shrinkage of lymphoid tissue and enlargement of the adrenals. So, anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is stress.

There is a strong association between stress and pain. Stress releases stress hormones which enhance the perception of pain. In addition, muscles in the body are sensitive to the effects of stress.  Muscle stiffness (a cause or effect of pain) reduces blood flow to the tissues resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Adequate movement of blood is essential to wash out acidic waste products from the tissues. A build up of acidic waste products in the tissues can cause exhaustion and pain.

An effective way to combat stress is to stay away from situations which are likely to overwhelm your ability to challenge it. Easily said than done – as the trigger could sometimes be beyond your control. Stress overburdens us and makes us speculate whether we really could handle the load placed upon us.

Consequences of stress

On the body: Pain, excess sweating, fainting spells, headache, reduced immunity, sleeping difficulties, stomach upsets, and other bodily dysfunctions.

On the thoughts & feelings: Anger, anxiety, anticipation the worst, unstable mood, feeling of insecurity, forgetfulness, irritability, fatigue, unhappiness and so on.

On the behavior: Eating problems, social isolation, relationships issues, crying spells and compulsive behaviors.

How to challenge stress and lead a quality life?

Each individual is unique; so is the management. It has to be a tailored management program to suit the sensitivities of the sufferer. We have mentioned are few tips below which could be put to practice in managing stress.

• Know yourself
• Know your problem (What triggers it – Relationship, job, finance?)
• Try to solve your problem- Look for solution before it worsens.
• Learn Stress management:  Divert your thoughts and engage in some out of routine activity – playing with kids, hobby, recreation, long drive etc.,

Blog post by Dr Johnsey Thomas, Psychologist at Axon Pain Center, Hyderabad, India.

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