Overweight − Depressed − Skin Problems − Sleeping Problems?

You may simply put all of the above down to stress, but stress like all of the above symptoms are just that − symptoms not the cause.

There are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances, that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

In fact, it’s hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected. And yet, we almost dismiss stress as the norm, how often do we say, “oh I am just stressed”. It’s a bit like losing your legs and saying, “it’s just a flesh wound”, sounds ridiculous? − Stress is not called the ’silent killer’ for no reason.

If the body is compromised our ability to overcome our stress is reduced, which then in turn brings on all the other symptoms. The bad news is, the longer we struggle with sleep, weight and skin problems the more likely we succumb to more serious disorders.

A healthy body is well equipped to handle stress. As humans we have been adapting to stress since the days of the cavemen.