stress

stress is a tension of the body and mind (psyche) caused by external and internal pressure.The external and internal factors therefore include specific stimuli, the so-called stressors, which can subsequently cause physical and psychological reactions in people. Temporary stress is harmless and was once used to activate the body and mind in times of danger and to survive in the wild. However, long-term stress can lead to many diseases and ailments today, so a stress-free life is preferable.

What is stress

Probably the most common cause that leads to stress is the daily hectic pace and inner restlessness with which one is constantly confronted.

On the one hand, stress means a reaction to certain external factors. On the other hand, stress is also used to describe the physical and mental strain that results from these external factors. Stress inducing factors can be extremely different in humans. Probably the most common cause that leads to stress is the daily hectic pace and inner restlessness with which one is constantly confronted.

In addition, there is an ever-increasing pressure to perform in today's society, which only a few can handle. If this is the case, the first symptoms appear. Here, too, there are big differences among those affected. Some become particularly nervous, but some also become dull and curled up, avoiding any contact with the outside world. Others even experience health problems such as palpitations or burnout.

causes

The most common causes of stress are on the one hand work and on the other hand interpersonal relationships. In today's society you are always under pressure to always have to be the best, to have the perfect partnership, to have as many friends as possible. For these reasons, more and more people are putting themselves under too much pressure and are therefore placing themselves under stress.

However, external stimuli such as noise, harmful posture, but also overstimulation can be stress factors. In addition to the external factors, there are emotional fluctuations. Often, especially with insecure people, there is a fear of being rejected by others. They are always on the lookout for recognition and want to be liked by everyone, to please everyone. This is exactly what triggers long-term stress for many.

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➔ Medicines for relaxation and nerve strengthening

Diseases with this symptom

• Burnout syndrome
• schizophrenia
• Raynaud's Syndrome

• Gastric ulcer
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• gastritis

• Bipolar disorder
• Tinnitus
• Crohn's disease

Complications

Chronic, prolonged stress is classified as a modern disease of civilization that can lead to a wide variety of complications. During physical stress reactions, more energy is provided and sugar and fatty acids are released into the blood. This leads to an increased blood sugar level and possibly also to obesity and diabetes.

If there is a lack of physical activity, the blood vessels can constrict over time and diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke can result. Permanent stress in the private or professional environment results in exhaustion, tiredness and complaints such as restlessness or irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, more hormones such as adrenaline are released, which among other things inhibits the activity of the digestive organs.

The immune system suffers from constant stress and makes people susceptible to infectious diseases such as colds and chronic diseases. The hormone cortisol is increasingly released and weakens the immune system. People with a lot of stress tend to have unfavorable behaviors such as poor sleep, irregular and unhealthy diet, increased consumption of alcohol or smoking.

This in turn can lead to secondary diseases such as high blood pressure, impotence, stomach ulcer, heart disease, headaches, sudden hearing loss, menstrual cramps, back pain or tinnitus. Psychological consequences such as depression, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety, depression and burnout syndrome should not be underestimated.

When should you go to the doctor?

In most cases, stress does not require medical treatment and occurs several times a day for most people. However, stress can be harmful to the body in the long term and lead to both psychological and physical symptoms and complaints. In general, a visit to the doctor is necessary in the event of stress, if the patient feels unwell and there are complaints. In any case, a doctor should be visited if burn-out develops due to the stress. This can be life-threatening in some cases and should always be treated.

It is also necessary to consult a doctor if physical complaints arise due to stress. These include severe and permanent headaches, dizziness or difficulty sleeping. An examination should also be carried out if the quality of life is generally reduced. First and foremost, it is advisable to see a general practitioner. If necessary, he or she can refer the person concerned to a psychologist. Treatment by a specialist is usually also necessary for psychological changes or depression.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

You can only treat stress by reducing it and, as far as possible, bypassing it. In addition, one should identify the causes that led to the stress in order to tackle this evil at the root. The best thing to do is to take a break from everything that grows over your head, to go somewhere where you can switch off and concentrate only on yourself.

When you return from vacation, oases of calm should also be built into everyday life in order to avoid stress as much as possible. Even the simplest methods can help, such as conscious relaxation and breathing exercises (autogenic training can also help) or regular exercise. It all depends on what kind of person you are and how you can best switch off in order to free your head from any stress.

Outlook & forecast

Stress does not necessarily have to be treated medically. This symptom is not always a negative condition because low levels of stress keep the body fit and healthy. However, if the stress is great, it can lead to physical and psychological problems. Stress reduction can be undertaken by yourself or a psychologist can provide support. The person concerned must also take care of minimizing stress himself. This often includes taking up sporting activities or changing one's diet.

Treatment is usually successful and relieves the patient from stress. If the stress is left untreated, it often leads to severe mental and physical problems. The affected person often feels weak, complains of headaches, persistent tiredness and general malaise. Social contacts can also suffer from stress, which can lead to social exclusion. The stress also has a negative effect on everyday work and can also trigger problems there. It is not uncommon for the treatment to be supported with medication. In the worst case, excessive stress without treatment can lead to burnout or suicidal thoughts.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for relaxation and nerve strengthening

prevention

The best way to prevent stress is with an anti-stress program. This is done in a total of four steps. First of all, you have to analyze the personal stress factors, i.e. the causes. Once you have found these, they should be reduced to the minimum possible in order to avoid the stress.

The next step is to reduce stress that has already arisen. The last step is ultimately to prevent stress in the long term. Implementing the whole thing in everyday life is often not easy and you often have to outsmart yourself to avoid falling into a stress trap again. The basic principle of sustainably avoiding stress is to take time for yourself.

In addition, a few daily habits should be changed. It is important to set priorities. What is important and what is not - this should be clarified. It's best to simplify your life and live according to the motto: less is more. This includes saying “no” from time to time, not always wanting to please everyone. So-called stress management helps here. It helps you to see the really important things in life and to keep track of them.

Preventive relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or yoga can also have a preventative effect. Jogging and swimming also help to release tension and clear your mind.

Home remedies & herbs for stress & tension

other home remedies ↵ for stress

• Baths and teas made from hops and lemon balm soothe the nerves and lift the mood. They are also ideal for insomniacs.

• 10 drops of valerian tincture to fall asleep dissolved in a glass of water, soothes the soul, body and spirit in the long term. However, the calming effects can also last up to two weeks. But it also lasts longer.

You can do that yourself

Stress can be positive but also negative. If the latter is the case, it restricts everyday life. However, there are ways to cope better with stress. In order to be able to fight against stress, it is important that the body is fit and productive. Performance depends, among other things, on lifestyle factors such as diet, health, exercise and the consumption of neurotoxins. The latter should be avoided if possible.

It is important to eat a balanced and healthy diet and to drink enough. Regular exercise helps you feel more comfortable and deal better with stress. Fresh air can also work wonders. Often a short walk in the country is enough to reduce your own stress level. Stress also arises when not enough breaks are taken. In a performance-oriented society, it is important to take short breaks and not drown yourself in work. Fitness exercises at work, power naps or massages can be helpful.

Relaxation is particularly effective against stress. But it is often difficult to switch off in everyday work. Thoughts circle and the stress level increases. Autogenic training has proven to be particularly effective. Meditation and sports like Pilates and yoga can help you come to terms with yourself.

Certain character traits can promote stress. People with a very perfectionist disposition are particularly at risk for stress. It is good to aim high. However, if these goals are too high, it will inevitably lead to negative feelings such as overload rather than positive ones.