Stress is the body’s natural response to situations perceived as threatening or destabilizing. Although this response is initially designed to protect us, preparing us to “fight or flight”, prolonged or chronic exposure to stress can have serious consequences for our health.
Impact on the cardiovascular system :
Stress can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to inflammation of the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Effects on weight and metabolism:
Under stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol, which can increase appetite and promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Chronic stress is therefore often associated with weight gain.
Disruption of the immune system :
Stress can weaken our immune system, making us more vulnerable to infection and slowing down the healing process.
Impact on mental health :
Stress is a major contributor to various mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. It can also affect memory and cognitive abilities.
Digestive problems :
Stress can disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, leading to problems such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation or even stomach ulcers.
Dermatological problems :
Stress can aggravate or trigger skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or acne.
Respiratory disorders :
Under stress, breathing can become rapid or shallow, which can exacerbate conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Impact on the reproductive system :
In women, stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle and exacerbate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In men, it can reduce testosterone production and impact sperm quality.
Although stress is an inevitable part of life, it’s crucial to recognize its effects on health and adopt strategies to manage it effectively.
The following questions ask about your feelings and thoughts over the past month. In each case, you are asked to indicate how often you felt or thought a certain way. Although some of the questions are similar, there are differences between them, and you should treat each as a separate question.
