Chronic stress: Symptoms, examples, effects, and recovery (original) (raw)

Chronic stress is a prolonged, often overwhelming feeling of stress that can negatively impact a person’s daily life. Chronic stress can cause changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, and physical illness.

Short-lived feelings of stress are a regular part of daily life. When these feelings become chronic, or long-lasting, they can severely impact a person’s health.

Stress is a biological response to demanding situations. It causes the body to release hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.

These hormones help prepare the body to take action, for example, by increasing the heart and breath rates. When this occurs, a doctor might describe a person as being in a state of heightened alertness or arousal.

Many factors can trigger a stress response, including dangerous situations and psychological pressures, such as work deadlines, exams, and sporting events.

The physical effects of stress usually do not last long. However, some people find themselves in a nearly constant state of heightened alertness. This is chronic stress.

Some potential causes of chronic stress include:

Chronic stress puts pressure on the body for an extended period. This can cause various symptoms and increase the risk of developing certain illnesses.

Various life experiences can cause stress, and these may begin in childhood. When children experience traumatic events, it can lead to the development of chronic stress that may last into adulthood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 64% of adults in the United States experienced at least one ACE before the age of 18 years. Up to 1 in 6 adults experienced four or more ACEs.

Chronic stress in adults

In adulthood, chronic stress can happen as a result of very similar causes as well as:

According to the Stress in America 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), stressors may vary depending on age and other factors, but finances were a top stressor for many people.

Chronic stress can also affect historically marginalized groups differently than others. In 2019, surveys showed that Black people were three times more likely and Hispanic people two times more likely to be stressed by lack of food than white people.

In 2021, the APA also reported that 74% of Black adults, 60% of Hispanic adults, and 65% of white adults said the Capitol breach in 2020 caused them a lot of stress.

Generally, acute stress is stress that a person experiences in the short term. Acute stress typically manifests immediately after a person experiences a stressor as a fight-or-flight reaction.

An acute stress disorder is more severe, and typically occurs in the first month after a person experiences trauma. This is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but a person cannot have a PTSD diagnosis until they have symptoms for longer than a month.

Stress can also be episodic, which means a person experiences acute stress over a long time but inconsistently. They experience stressful periods and periods with less or no stress.

In comparison, chronic stress is stress that a person experiences continuously throughout their life to the point where feeling stressed becomes a routine state of being.

According to the APA, around 3 in 5 adults in the United States do not talk about their stress because they do not want to burden another person.

However, if someone experiences chronic stress, it is important to see a healthcare professional for advice and support. A doctor may recommend psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

During CBT, a therapist helps someone modify their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings concerning stressors. CBT can also help a person develop tools and coping mechanisms to manage stress responses.

Sometimes, a doctor may recommend medications to help treat some symptoms of chronic stress. For example, they may prescribe antidepressants to treat anxiety or depression. For people with trouble sleeping, doctors may prescribe sedatives.

Chronic stress can seem overwhelming, and a person may feel unable to regain control over their life. However, the following strategies may help to reduce stress levels and improve well-being:

People do not have to deal with chronic stress alone. If self-help strategies are not working, a doctor can provide support and advice about treatment options. They can also refer someone to a specialized healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress should see a doctor as soon as possible, especially if they are having suicidal thoughts or using drugs or alcohol to cope.

Stress is a regular part of daily life. Short-lived stress is generally harmless, but when it lasts and becomes chronic, it can cause a range of symptoms. It can also contribute to the development of physical and mental disorders.

Self-help techniques include identifying triggers, developing coping and avoidance strategies, reaching out to friends and family, and practicing mindfulness.

If these techniques are not working, or if stress feels overwhelming, a person should speak with a healthcare professional.