Concepts in Health Education 2015

What is stress?

In our world as college students “stressed” has become a way of life. “How are you today?” “So stressed…” But what does it actually mean and why are we defying the definition? The definition that we overuse and let consume our lives today was coined back in 1936 by a Hungarian endocrinologist Hans Seyle. He deemed that stress is the body’s physical or mental response to a demand or change. A stressor can be anything that is a psychological, physical or social stimulus. Whether that stressor be an illness, studying for an exam or a bad breakup the body reacts the same way; stress is the same whether it be good, bad, chronic or acute.

Taking a toll on the Body

“Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older.” – Hans Selye

The effect that stress has on the body can be summed up into three separate stages known as the General Adaptive Syndrome and displays how the human body can infinitely and progressively react to change or stimuli. The three separate stages include alarm phase, resistance phase and the exhaustion phase.

The alarm stage is also known as fight or flight response, because during this stage the nervous system recognizes threat or danger and begins to build up a defense against the stimulus. Physiologically this triggers the hypothalamus that initially prompts the adrenal glands to produce more epinephrine. However, in the long term the glands release cortisol. During the resistance phase, the parasympathetic nervous system is working to return the body to homeostasis. When chronic stress occurs and the body cant reach homeostasis, this is when it begins the phase of exhaustion and the body takes a hit. Because the body has been producing so much excess energy to fight the attacking stressor you reach a point of physical and psychological exhaustion. The immune system changes, cortisol productions rise and soon every organ in the body is susceptible to harm.

“Anything that causes stress endangers life, unless it is met by adequate adaptive responses; conversely, anything that endangers life causes stress and adaptive responses. Adaptability and resistance to stress are fundamental prerequisites for life, and every vital organ and function participates in them.” –Hans Seyle

• Muscle tension can be a reflex when the body feels stress. Long term muscle tension can lead to chronic pain, tension and migraine headaches, muscle atrophy and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Hyperventilation (panic attacks) can sometimes occur because stress makes you breather harder and pushes more rapid breathing.
• The organ typically most commonly affected by stress is the heart. Acute stress can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure (fight or flight). However chronically this can have serious risks. A combination of high blood pressure, increase heart rate and production of cortisol can lead to risk cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack.
• Too much cortisol increases glucose production. This can be especially harmful to individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity.
• The gastrointestinal system changes significantly. It can range from lack of nutrients due to unhealthy eating habits, vomiting and/or diarrhea or severe stomach pain which could lead to ulcers.

Why should YOU care?

What affects college-aged students most commonly is the effect on intellectual performance and emotional stability. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, forty million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, and 75 percent of them experience their first episode of anxiety by age 22. Stress levels are skyrocketing on college campuses because students are going to drastic measures to “get the A.” Lack of sleep mixed in with increased stress hormones in the body has been shown the cause a direct link to lack of memory and concentration. So in theory, pulling that all nighter for the big exam sounds great but you are more likely to wreak havoc on your nervous system.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to seek help before your body takes a hit!

Butler University Counseling Services
530 W. 49th Street (HRC, Room 120)
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: (317) 940-9385

Common reasons students utilize the services:

• Relationship issues
• Understanding one’s sexual/gender identity
• Depression
• Eating and body image concerns
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem/self-confidence
• Adjusting to college
• Anger management
• Stress management/coping skills
• Self-care
• Grief and loss
• Alcohol and substance use
• Homesickness
• Sexual assault/trauma

References:

“Living and Thriving-Stress and College Students.” Facts | Anxiety and Depression Association of America. ADAA, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Lucille, Holly. “General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages.” General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages. Integrative Therapeutics, LLC, 10 Apr. 2014. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Rosch, Paul J. “Hans Selye: Birth of Stress.” The American Institute of Stress. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Seyle, Hans. “STRESS AND THE GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME.”British Medical Journal (1950): n. pag. Print.

“Stress Effects on the Body.” American Psychological Association, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Wu, Joanne. “Rising Stress Levels Alarm Health Educators.” The American Institute of Stress. Stanford Daily News, 29 Feb. 00. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Media sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=vzrjEP5MOT4http://data.integrativepro.com/images/general-adaptation-syndrome.jpg

http://www.studlife.com/files/2012/04/depression.jpg

http://www.studlife.com/files/2012/04/depression.jpg