Stress and Its Effect on Health

Abstract

Stress is developed due to socio-cultural changes, ecological changes, certain psychological factors, lifestyles, etc., .The factors which contribute to stress are described as stressors. Then these factors create a need for the individual to change ones’ habits, behavior, attitudes etc. Stress can be eustress, that keeps us motivated to reach our goals or distress- that causes degradation of the body. Stress is a pattern of responses to stimulus that disturbs the equilibrium. Stress can affect our well-being and our physical heath. It can lead to depression on the emotional level or behavioral responses causing the fight or flight response. The effects of stress on our health can be broadly divided into 4 categories - emotional effects, cognitive effect, behavioral effects and physiological effects. Stress can also negatively affect our immune system, making it more prone to physical illness through the concept of psychoneuroimmunology.