Stressed Out

Robert Fettgather has taught at San Jose State University, National University and Mission College in Santa Clara.  In addition, Robert Fettgather has addressed StateLinks to an external site. and National Conferences on a variety of topics.

Most of us feel "stressed out" at times. Stress is a major contributor to health problems, but there are positive aspects of stress in some forms. For example eustress is a kind of optimal level of stress that is beneficial and may enhancer performance. On the other hand, psychological as well as social factors may contribute directly to disease and illness through the effects of stress on the immune system and the body in general.

Think about a compromised immune system. It may no longer be able to attack and eliminate antigens, or it may even begin to attack the body’s normal tissue instead. That is a phenomenon identified as autoimmune disease. Growing understanding of the nexus between the nervous system and the immune system has resulted in the new field of psychoneuroimmunology, the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body. The effects of stress can be related to diseases like AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

REFLECTION  POINT:

Do you notice a relationship between stress in your life and the functioning of your immune system? Do you think this may be why you and your classmates have a higher tendency to get ill during stressful times of the semester, such as midterms and final exams? How do you think you could counter those effects?

INTERVENTIONS:

Many psychosocial treatments have been developed with the goals for either the prevention or treatment of disorders that are physical in nature. Among these are biofeedback, hypnosis, the relaxation response (Benson) and mindfulness meditation. David Barlow reviews the technique, Progressive relaxation, where muscle groups are systematically tensed and relaxed. Breathing techniques are also helpful in combating stress. This technique promotes relaxation and stress release.

A Bottom Line: Poor lifestyle habits can foster poor health outcomes and be antecedents to most of the disorders of eating and sleeping.  We all ought to pay attention to our lifestyle habits in order to lead happier and healthier lives.