Stress
Later life offers many opportunities for people to be engaged in their communities, enjoy meaningful relationships, pursue activities of interest and do the things they want to do. For others, late life can be a time filled with difficult challenges. Whether the aging experience is perceived as positive or negative, it is certain to be a time of many stressors simply because of all the changes that late life brings. Some changes may be chosen (moving a residence, leaving a job) some are not (the loss of a loved one, onset of a disease).
When humans need to continuously adapt to change, their minds and bodies are poised for response and action. There is a release of stress hormones that, with continuous stress, can remain too high for too long. Human brains and bodies need periods of rest from stressors to renew energy and provide balance. Even good stress takes its toll on the body and the mind. With any kid of stress, people become fatigued and more vulnerable to illnesses of all kinds.
Stress can be both physical and mental. You may feel physical stress, which is the result of too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of an illness. Stress can also be mental: when you worry about money, a loved one’s illness, retirement, or experience an emotionally devastating event, such as the death of a spouse or being fired from work.
Much of our stress comes from less dramatic everyday responsibilities. Obligations and pressures, which are both physical and mental, are not always obvious. In response to these daily strains, your body automatically increases blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism, and blood flow to your muscles. This response is intended to help your body react quickly and effectively to high-pressure situations.
When you are constantly reacting to stressful situations without making adjustments to counter the effects, stress can threaten your health and well-being. Stress often accompanies the feeling of “being out of control.”
What are the symptoms of Stress?
- Physical Symptoms can include heart pounding, headaches, sweaty palms, indigestion, skin breakouts, shortness of breath, cold hands, sleeplessness or oversleeping, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and physical pain
- Emotional Symptoms can include moodiness, irritability, anxiety, humorlessness, abrasive or hostile behavior, nervousness and extreme emotional sensitivity
- Mental Symptoms can include forgetfulness, loss of concentration, poor judgment, disorganization, confusion, lack of interest in almost everything and negative thoughts or negative “self-talk”
Maintaining good mental health includes developing techniques to handle stress