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 Herbal
Glossary | Medicinal Glossary
| Herbal PreparationsStress and Anxiety
DefinitionStress, as defined in the dictionary, is mental and physical tension
or strain. When stress occurs in quantities that the system cannot
handle, it produces pathological changes. This biological concept
of stress was developed by the late Dr. Hans Selye, who intended originally
for stress to indicate the cause rather than the effect. But through
a linguistic error, he gave the term stress to the effect and then
later had to use the word stressor for the cause. Therefore, it seems
that outside influences are not the cause of the inward stress, rather
the stress is the result of how we, as individuals, handle the influences
from outside. Some individuals handle stress with ease, others panic
or have an anxiety attack more readily. In other words, stress is
a descriptive term for a reaction of how an individual handles pressure
and tension, whether from internal or external sources. Constructive
handling of pressure and tense situations will result in lesser symptoms
of stress and anxiety. Poorly handled or denied reactions will result
in greater symptoms of stress and anxiety. Hysteria is extreme reaction
to inability to handle situations. CausesRather than causes here, we will be speaking of the outside influences which may or may not trigger a reaction of anxiety within an individual. Each individual has a tolerance level for stress related incidents (possibly differing widely from even siblings). Some of these outside influences are: a high-pressure job, relationships, financial problems, loneliness, crowds, and traffic jams. Everyone feels stressed at one time or another. Long-term stress often occurs when the situation is not relieved; a family member who is physically or mentally ill, a financial status that is far below the family needs, homelessness. Some people even create their own stress; there may be nothing wrong, but they find something to worry about. Not everyone handles stress constructively. The body can handle some stress, mental or physical, but stress must be coped with and most people have the ability to do so. If the stress is short-term, chances are good that it will be dealt with. It is long-term stress that causes the body to break down. Many people attribute their stress-related symptoms to "nerves" and,
in fact, stress first affects the parts of the body related to the
nervous system, especially through the digestive and intestinal systems.
First symptoms of these digestive orders may be persistent indigestion
or colitis. SymptomsIrritability, high blood pressure,
headaches, depression,
indigestion, weakening of the immune
system, elevation of cholesterol levels,
sleeplessness, impotence,
migraine headaches, neckaches, diarrhea,
dizziness, and loss of appetite are
some of the disorders precipitated by stress. If the stress is not
handled properly, then more serious illnesses may result. The disorders
often are the result of nutrient deficiencies due to the anxiety reaction
of loss of appetite. TreatmentRelaxation. But this is often difficult for the person suffering
from anxiety. It is necessary to alleviate the stress. A proper diet.
The NutrientsVitamin B complex, Herbs
Back to Top RecommendationsRule out allergies or heavy metal intoxication. A quality diet, exercise, and proper rest are very important. Dealing with stress may require changes in the way an individual reacts to pressure, tension, and situations beyond your control. The following is a list of possible suggestions in dealing with difficult situations. Back to Top
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