We talked to Behavioral Health Provider Anne Scott and Nurse Practitioners Sarah Myers and Analei Whitlock about stress and its impact on long-term health. Continue reading to learn more about how stress can harm your long-term health, defining “health anxiety,” how to manage stressors, and more.

The Effects of Unmanaged Stress

Stress isn’t just a temporary nuisance—it’s a serious player in the game of long-term health. From messing with our hormones to impacting our mental well-being, stress pulls no punches when it comes to wreaking havoc on our bodies. While we often associate stress with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, its effects extend far beyond the mind.

Research shows that chronic stress can throw a wrench into multiple body systems, including the brain, heart, immune system, and digestion. For instance, studies have pointed to a connection between chronic stress and heart disease, with increased heart rate and decreased circulation upping the risk of serious cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and high blood pressure.

The effects of unmanaged stress, as highlighted by Yale University, are far-reaching and enduring. Chronic stress isn’t just a solo act—it’s often accompanied by a host of other conditions, both physical and psychological. From hypertension and obesity to addiction and mood disorders, the laundry list of ailments linked to chronic stress is enough to make anyone sit up and take notice. So, the next time stress comes knocking, it might be worth considering the long-term consequences before letting it take up residence in your life.

What is Health Anxiety, and How Can You Manage It?

According to Mayo Clinic, health anxiety is symptoms of illness anxiety disorder that stem from the worry that you’re seriously ill, based on normal body sensations (such as a noisy stomach) or minor signs (such as a minor rash). Signs and symptoms of health anxiety include:

• Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition
• Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
• Being easily alarmed about your health status
• Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results
• Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
• Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it’s hard for you to function
• Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease
• Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance — or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
• Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks
• Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses
• Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses

How to Stress Less about Your Health

Little is known about how to prevent illness anxiety disorder, but these suggestions may help.

• If you have problems with anxiety, seek professional advice as soon as possible to help stop symptoms from getting worse and impairing your quality of life.
  • Focus on things within your control and do something about that. A major source of anxiety for many is the feeling of not being in control and so often when it comes to our health we have little control. By focusing on the things we can control we shift our focus and dwell less on things we can’t do anything about.
• Learn to recognize when you’re stressed and how this affects your body — and regularly practice stress management and relaxation techniques.
  • Examples of relaxation techniques include breathing exercises and practicing mindfulness. By taking deep, slow breaths we send a signal to our brain that we are safe. The higher levels of oxygen trigger the parasympathetic nervous system which takes us out of the fight-or-flight state.
• Stick with your treatment plan to help prevent relapses or worsening of symptoms.

We at the Family Health Clinic are happy to help with any questions you may have about your health.  We can help make a treatment plan as well as direct you to our behavioral health providers to learn stress management techniques. Stress less this Spring—call (800) 321-5043 to make an appointment with a Family Health Clinic provider.