Stress is a natural reaction of the body to external events, but with prolonged exposure, it can provoke serious diseases.
Expert: Artem Tolokonin, psychotherapist and founder of the psychosomatic medicine clinic
How Stress Manifests
Stress is not always negative. It activates the production of adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for action. The anticipation of a pleasant event and confrontation with danger trigger similar reactions: muscles tense, the heart beats faster, and the body enters a state of heightened readiness.
Problems arise with chronic or negative stress, when the psyche cannot cope with the load. In this case, hidden conflicts and unprocessed emotions manifest through various physical ailments.
What Diseases Can Stress Cause
Loss of Voice — occurs with intense fear or anger, when it is difficult for a person to express their feelings. Emotional shock in children can also lead to a temporary inability to speak.
Endocrine Disorders — stress disrupts hormonal balance, affects the endocrine glands, increases blood glucose levels, which raises the risk of diabetes.
Skin Problems — chronic tension reflects on the skin: possible warts, irritations, acne, psoriasis, urticaria, eczema.
Urinary System — women may experience disruptions in the menstrual cycle and develop infertility, while men may face difficulties with erection and decreased sperm activity.
Gastrointestinal Tract — stress manifests as pain, discomfort, constipation, stomach ulcers. Short-term stress more often affects the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, while chronic stress affects the large intestine.
How to Cope with Stress
Deep Breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce blood pressure and anxiety, and restore calmness and internal balance. It is recommended to practice breathing in a pattern: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8, 1–2 times a day for 2 minutes.
Keeping a Journal — a way to express emotions and reduce psycho-emotional tension. By writing down thoughts daily, one can improve immune system function and alleviate symptoms of eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.
