Why Stress Management Is Important

Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses, both
major and minor. Physicians and mental health experts
agree that stress reduction techniques can prevent
many illnesses, and disorders, as well as increase a
patient’s ability to heal following the development of
a variety of health problems.

The human response to stress is triggered within the
brain, producing chemical and physical changes
throughout the body, which affect every aspect of it’s
functioning.

During times of intense stress the brain’s production
of such chemicals as Dopamine, Epinephrine, and
Norepinephrine increase, causing the distribution of
larger amounts of these Catecholamines throughout the
body.

The increase of the presence of these chemicals
produces physiological changes such as increased heart
rate, and blood pressure, increased cell reproduction,
and suppression of the immune system.

Over time, unmanaged stress can lead to the
development of ulcers and other digestive problems,
heart disease, even heart attack and stroke.

The immune’s systems ability to fight off infection
and disease is inhibited, allowing for the onset of
various illnesses and viral infections. Additionally,
the development of chronic conditions such as Diabetes
and Asthma, have been linked to stress.

Stress is also related to many mental and emotional
disorders, such as Depression, Anxiety, extreme
Phobias, and panic attacks. The "Fight or Flight"
instinct triggered by the brain during times of
extreme stress is also related to the on-set of these
chronic mental health conditions.

Learning to manage stress in healthy ways can help
reduce the chemical changes occurring within the brain
and body, thereby improving both physical and mental
health.