Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviours, thinking ability and physical health. Apparently, people handle stress differently. In fact, the stress response varies between males and females. Symptoms can be vague and may mimic those caused by medical conditions.
Women are believed, to face situations heads on rather than using the ‘fight and flight’ response. This is thought to be mediated by oxytocin, an anti-stress hormone produced more in females as compared to males, hence helping them in managing stress tactfully.
With women always trying to match up to their male counterparts at work while living up to the ideal housewife standards at home; they are more prone to be stressed. Stress usually manifests its effects on behaviour and can be easily spotted with changes in appetite, avoiding responsibilities or increased use of alcohol, drugs, etc. Certain physical symptoms that can be seen are Low Energy, Headaches, upset stomach including diarrhoea, constipation and nausea, Insomnia, Loss of sexual desire, nervousness and shaking cold or sweaty hands and feet and also Clenched jaw and grinding teeth. This can, in turn, lead to mental health problems, such as different types of depression, anxiety and personality disorders, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke, obesity and other eating disorders, menstrual problems, sexual dysfunction, such as impotence and loss of sexual desire in both men and women. Skin and hair problems, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema and permanent hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
In these present times, stress is an unavoidable part of our lifestyle. But it all depends on how you manage your stress. Stress management is something we all need to learn.
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The first step in managing stress is recognizing it in your life. Everyone feels stress in a different way. You may get angry or irritable, lose sleep, or have headaches or stomach upset.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
All these activities may help you relax down. If you find yourself struggling to seek medical help. Talk to your doctor who may suggest counselling or prescribe medicines, such as antidepressants or sleep aids. Your relationships can be a source of major stress in your daily life and it’s okay to see a counsellor. You can seek help from:
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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