Stress arises in response to an external event that stimulates the "flight or fight" reaction. This reaction causes a cascade of chemical changes within our bodies, when a hormone called cortisol is released. Our hearts race, and blood flow is re-routed to our muscles so that we can run faster and farther.
Sometimes the stimulation is positive, such as getting a good mark on a test or finding out that your book has been accepted for publishing, and the stress can be exhilarating or inspiring. Usually, though, stress is a body-and-mind response to negative events - the tension caused by too many responsibilities and not enough time, anxieties and worries, illness or exhaustion, or the grief you experience due to a painful loss. Stress can rise and fall, and it's a part of life, but what's a healthy stress level? When do you
say, "Enough is enough?" And what can you do to find some balance?
When you're feeling maxed-out, it's easy to feel down every now and then. If you are feeling consistently blue, though, or if you're gaining or losing weight, having trouble concentrating, or have feelings of guilt or worthlessness, your stress symptoms may have crossed over into the realm of depression. You may not have full-blown depression, but you should still seek ways to relieve some of the stress and feel better.
Stress can also follow you into bed each night. At times of stress, it is easy to let your mind race and your thoughts wander, and suddenly you're losing precious sleep. But this is actually the time when your body badly needs the rejuvenating advantages of sleep.
Being aware of your stress level can also help you through times of traumatic loss. When coping with a difficult situation - like the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship - feelings of grief are normal. However, if the level of stress reaches a tipping point, grief can become exaggerated, prolonged, or totally denied. The stress associated with grieving is subtle and not always recognized.
Find ways to deal with the high stress level caused by a significant loss, including talking to friends about the stress or writing down your feelings.