How does stress affect the body and what measures can help against it?
April 14, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
My name is Eiko Rüppel and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing increased symptoms of stress lately and I am wondering how they are affecting my body and what measures could help against them.
In recent weeks, I have noticed that I am suffering from sleep disturbances, constantly feeling tired and exhausted, and also experiencing concentration problems. Additionally, I am experiencing gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, nausea, and digestion problems. I am certain that all these symptoms are due to the stress I am currently under.
I am worried that stress could have long-term negative effects on my health. I have already tried to reduce stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, but I feel like this is not enough to alleviate my symptoms.
Therefore, my question to you is: How does stress specifically affect the body and what measures can help me to better cope with it and improve my symptoms? Are there any specific medications or therapy options that you can recommend? I am willing to make changes in my lifestyle to lower my stress levels and improve my health.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Eiko Rüppel
Dear Mr. Rüppel,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing symptoms of stress and are concerned about your health. Stress can indeed have various effects on the body, and it is important to take appropriate measures to cope with it and improve your symptoms.
Stress is a natural response of the body to challenging situations and can have both psychological and physical effects. Psychological symptoms of stress may include anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and concentration problems, while physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and muscle tension can occur. Long-term stress can also weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and lead to a deterioration in overall health.
It is good that you have already tried to reduce stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. These methods can indeed help lower stress levels and alleviate symptoms. In addition to these measures, there are other ways to cope with stress. Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, social support, and time for yourself can also help reduce stress.
In some cases, it may also be advisable to seek professional help. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can assist you in coping with stressful situations better and learning new coping strategies. In severe cases, medications such as tranquilizers or antidepressants may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
It is important that you take care of your health and take time for relaxation and recovery. If you continue to experience symptoms of stress, I recommend that you consult a doctor to discuss your symptoms in more detail and develop an individual treatment strategy.
I hope that my response was helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey to less stress and better health.
Kind regards,
Yvonne König
