Physical/Emotional Effects of Stress:

Stress and Emotions

Quite often, we will respond differently to a situation depending upon the mood that we are in. For example, if we were in a good mood and had a flat tyre, we would deal that situation far better than if we were in a bad mood. Our response to the situation is emotional and is built upon our underlying mood. Hence, stress is heightened in certain moods
Moods are not just personal. Organisations can have moods, even places can have a mood. Many people become distressed working within an organisation that is going through change because they take on a mood of resentment that originates from within that organisation.
Normally, we do not select the mood we wish to be in, we just find ourselves in it. However, once we recognise that we are in a certain mood, we are responsible for remaining in that mood or changing it.

"The right conversation in the wrong mood is the wrong conversation."

Dealing With Distress
Fundamentally, we can deal with distress on two fronts. Firstly, we must recognise when we are distressed and the mood that we are currently in. If this mood is not conducive to dealing with the situation then we need to change our mood. 
We can do this and deal with some of the physiological aspects of distress at the same time by exercising or learning how to completely relax through mechanisms such as massage or meditation.
Music can also play an important role in helping us change our mood. Normally, we play music to suit our mood but if we play the sort of music that suits the mood that we would like to be in, we can soon find ourselves in that mood.
We can also learn competences to help us cope with situations and begin the journey of learning the skills that we need to deal with the ever shifting patterns of life.

Copyright © 1995 Chris Chittenden

Short term effects of stress:

• Insomnia, over sleeping, or fatigue
• Back, shoulder, neck pain
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Rash or hives
• Hair loss
• SOB or asthma attacks
• Heartburn of acid reflex
• And many more

Long term effects of stress:

• Depression or anxiety disorders
• Heart disease, unstable angina, chest pain
• Decrease oxygen supply to the heart
• HTN
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Lowers immune system, leading to vulnerability to flu or cold
• Peptic ulcers
• Irritable Bowel syndrome
• Constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems
• Both obesity or weight loss
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Decreased sexual desire
• Erectile dysfunction or reproductive problems
• Cancer
• Alcohol and/or substance abuse
• Throat muscle spasms with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sinusitis
• Impaired memory and lack of concentration

(Bystress.com, 2008)