Overview
Stress and Depression: Stress refers to the tension and strain produced as a result of physical exhaustion. The Body’s Response to Stress and Depression: When a person receives frightening news, the sympathetic nervous system becomes active and prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response. At that time, the body reacts in the following way: The cerebral cortex is a part of the brain that receives stimuli from the environment and sends the gathered information to another part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then passes these signals to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland transfers the message through the adrenal gland to the medulla, which immediately releases two hormones: adrenaline and noradrenaline. Under the influence of these hormones, the liver quickly releases glucose to provide energy. These hormones also constrict the blood vessels in the skin, causing the skin to appear pale as blood is redirected to the internal organs. In this state, the stomach does not digest food because digestion is not needed at that moment. The heartbeat and pulse rate increase, and the arteries constrict, causing blood pressure to rise. All of these changes prepare the body either to fight against the environment or to run away from danger. Physically, the body cannot remain in this condition for a long time because of extreme fatigue. If this happens repeatedly, the nerves become severely weakened and can no longer cope with the situation, causing the person to become a patient of stress.
Symptoms
- Quick expression of anger
- suspicion about others’ intentions
- lack of self-confidence in one’s work
- high or low blood pressure
- feelings of guilt
- rapid breathing and pulse rate
- excessive uric acid in urine
- lack of interest in important tasks
- constantly remembering certain friends while becoming indifferent to most people and keeping a limited social circle
- frequent constipation or having bowel movements three to four times a day along with mucus
- constant fatigue and laziness
- considering oneself more intelligent and wise than others and trying to prove others foolish
- scattered thoughts and remaining entangled in different tasks while also confusing others
- feeling happy by immediately criticizing others and not tolerating even minor criticism against oneself.
Causes
- Separation from a loved one
- sexual problems
- major financial changes
- hostility
- administrative work.