We’ve long known that stress can cause a cascade of physical problems, from a rapid heart rate to trouble sleeping.
But how harmful can it be?
Experts have told MailOnline that mental turmoil can be as deadly as physical illness.
According to psychologist Dr. Audrey Tang, prolonged stress can trigger a release of hormones that dramatically increase the risk of heart attack and weight gain, which could lead to obesity-related diseases.
Dr. Tang has revealed the warning signs that your stress levels are peaking and piling up physical problems for years to come.
It comes as football manager Pep Guardiola appeared to demonstrate an alarming stress response in a post-match press conference this week following the disappointing 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
The Manchester City manager was questioned about the cuts on his nose and scratches on his head after the match, to which he replied ‘I cut myself’, ‘I want to hurt myself’.
His reference to self-harm prompted fans to express concern, but the 53-year-old admitted he had been caught “off guard” by the question, adding that he did not want to “make light of such a serious issue”. ‘.
Pep Guardiola was left with several cuts and marks and was asked about them at a press conference
Guardiola has clarified his comment, stating that he “in no way intended” to downplay the issue of self-harm.
Chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang told MailOnline that stress can dramatically affect the way we behave and also affect us physically if it is what is called chronic and lasts at least a few weeks.
Dr Tang said: “Psychologists look for signs that stress is affecting your day-to-day life. For example, if you’re not sleeping, if you’re not eating, if you’re irritable, if you’re not doing all the things you love, if you’re obsessed with something.’
Physically, the most common signs of chronic stress are chest pains, headaches, and muscle aches.
This is because stress causes the body to release too much of the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys.
It regulates a wide range of body processes, including blood pressure, metabolism, fertility, and sleep-wake cycles.
In addition to cortisol, the body releases a surge of adrenaline; An increase in both hormones is a result of the “fight or flight” reaction that is triggered when we are under threat.
Together, these hormones cause blood vessels to constrict, causing our hearts to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
This can cause heart palpitations and chest pains, as well as high blood pressure and muscle and head pain.
Stress causes the body to release the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. It regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, such as blood pressure, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycles.
“If stress doesn’t go away, that’s when things like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and all those physical things are most likely to happen,” Dr. Tang warned.
The NHS agrees that long periods of stress can increase blood pressure, as well as causing headaches, blurred vision and chest pain.
Another sign that cortisol is worryingly high is having trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night.
Dr. Tang explained that lack of sleep can cause problems in daily life and trigger behavioral problems such as general irritability and carelessness.
However, lack of sleep not only puts us in a bad mood, but in the long term it can also harm metabolism and further increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to experts.
Dr. Tang describes stress as a “vicious cycle,” as lack of sleep also makes it difficult for the body to regulate cortisol levels, making the problem worse.
Another sign to watch for is a drastic change in appetite.
“Sometimes stress makes us not eat at all, but other times it makes us eat a lot, and that is the effect of cortisol affecting our normal processing,” he said.
Additionally, stress can cause the body to physically tense up as a way to protect against injury and pain, according to the American Psychological Association.
This increases muscle pain because the tissues are constantly tense.
Another sign that your stress is at alarming levels is a significant loss of libido.
According to mental health charity Mind, you may lose interest in sex or be unable to enjoy it.
This is because chronic stress can affect testosterone production, resulting in a decile in sexual desire.
Although there are no specific treatments for stress, you should talk to your GP if stress is affecting your physical health.
Studies show that stress should not be taken lightly.
A 2021 article showed that mental health problem can cause sudden cardiac death, while a 2015 study showed a 50 percent increased risk of premature death due to chronic stress and depression.