Madison Suttles
Mrs. Halstead
College Writing 110
12 November 2014
Stress and the Effects it has on our Lives
Stress is a problem for everyone. Going to school, playing sports, and holding down a job are just some of the ways that stress can show up in one’s life. Stress is defined as “a situation in which environmental demands, internal demands, or both, tax or exceed the adaptive resources of an individual, social system, or tissue system” (Keller, Abiola, et al. 677). With the constant pressure to preform well in so many areas of life along side one’s busy schedule and minimal vacation time, stress is inevitable. For some stress causes one to perform to one’s top potential, while for others stress effects one in a negative way, and causes one to perform to less than one’s potential ability. To some, stress is simply a part of one’s personality, while for others stress is only found by certain situations and events that trigger it. When does stress become a problem, and what are some ways one can learn to manage it?
Excessive stress is proven to cause health issues, with many being permanent. These, although normally seen in adults with the many stresses of balancing a busy life, (dealing with finances, caring for one’s self as well as children, and keeping up with work) can sometimes start in childhood or even infancy for those in unusual circumstances. Child abuse and neglect are the main ways that children develop stress issues, with these being linked to disruption of the neurodevelopmental process, and stress response system.
“Indeed, dysregulation of the stress response system has been linked with various forms of psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and major depres- sive disorder “ (Kindsvatter, and Geroski. 472). With stress starting at such a young age, the effects can be irreversible at times if not addressed early. Childhood is a time in life when one is constantly absorbing information from one’s surroundings that will effect how one views the world for the rest of one’s life. Children absorb detailed information without it being immediately apparent at the time, and when completely encapsulated in a poisonous environment, it can be harmful to a child’s mental well-being. If approached in the correct manner, most of these problems can be taken care of and resolved before they become major issues, but should not be taken lightly, or ignored.
Another risk of stress is simply stressful events that have taken or are taking place in one’s life. This can be anything from being overrun with homework, to a death of someone close to one, or maybe simply having an off day. “A prominent view as to the cause of the relationship between stress and cognition has revolved around stress-related intrusive thoughts and avoidance. The perception that one’s life is unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded (referred to as perceived stress) can result in intrusive thoughts, which in turn are believed to compete for limited cognitive resources.” (Boals, Adriel, and Banks. 1336).
The feeling of not having control of one’s life can cause panic and anxiety, and ultimately lead to serious health issues going as far as effecting one’s cognitive system, and the way one interacts socially, and views the world around them. Stress can overtake one’s life, and cause one to feel as if there is no hope of ever experiencing full relaxation, peace, or tranquility. Stress can make one feel that they will never feel the relaxation of a day without a schedule where someone else has one’s every hour planned leaving no time for personal time or enjoyment. Although one may have no choice but to live everyday life on a strict schedule, it is extremely important to set aside time on the weekends for relaxing, and getting away from days packed with activities and tasks that must be completed.
There are two types of anxiety, with the first one being Manifest Anxiety. Manifest Anxiety is when one is