STRESS

Everyone is stressed. The economy tanking, global warming, government failing, spouses, kids, in-laws, bosses   UGH!!!

Animals, including we humans, have mechanisms in place to deal with stress. The classic example of an acute stress is the big dog coming at you. Fight or flight response originates in the hypothalamus. This area at the base of the brain releases hormones that start the body's response to stress. The adrenal glands pump out adrenalin, aka epinephrine, and cortisol. Heart rate and respiratory rate increase, blood pressure rises. Glycogen stores in the liver and muscles begin to release glucose into the blood stream. The immune system, digestion, reproduction and growth processes are all suppressed. This is a necessary survival mechanism. The acute stress response was very helpful when our ancestors lived a perilous existence on the plains of Africa or when involved in the innumerable wars humans have fought.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible to turn on the fight or flight reaction and the parasympathetic system tamps the reaction down.

When the stress response is triggered by a deadline at work, or being stuck in a traffic jam the effects on one's body are deleterious. When stress is chronic because we are always behind at work, stuck in traffic, or in a  toxic relationship, the damage to our body is real and potentially lethal. Chronic stress with its waves of stress hormones leads to heart disease, sleep disorders, digestive problems, depression, memory impairment and even worsening of certain skin diseases.

Some people are more vulnerable to stress because of genetic or environmental factors. Anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and depression have genetic components. These mental health conditions prime the pump of the stress response. Children who are neglected and/or abused are also more likely to have severe and persistent stress responses. Events in one's life such as being the victim or witness to trauma may lead to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). High pressure jobs (ER doc, nurse, PA, tech, secretary) often lead to chronic stress. Loneliness, and social isolation also contribute to chronic stress.

There are things one can do to mitigate stress, short of living in a cabin in northern Maine with your family. Eating a healthy diet (skip the fried twinkies), exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep would be an effective antidote to our modern stressful world. Being in a happy relationship, and having friends and family to share one's life are also helpful. Having a sense of humor and practicing relaxation techniques (such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, or just listening to music) have all been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate and decrease the levels of stress hormones in the blood.

My stress levels have diminished since I was forced to leave my job at The Hospital. My beloved wife and caring daughter had been encouraging me to leave The Hospital because of the stress. I would arrive for work and find angry, stressed patients who had been waiting up to 6 hours to be seen by a physician. My new job is low volume and low acuity. My patients don't have to wait to be treated. I am mostly stress free. Maybe my hair will change back to black.

Illegitimi non carborundum, don't let the bastards grind you down!