Stress Awareness Month | What is Stress | Browns Pharmacy 

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

When the body feels under attack, a complex mix of hormones and chemicals are released to prepare the body for physical action – this is stress. Shutting down the unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion, blood is diverted to muscles. When adrenaline is released, the heart starts pounding, breathing quickens and we get a burst of energy enabling us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.

Stress allows us to survive dangerous modern-day situations, such as quick reactions if someone runs out in front of your car, however, when blood flow is directed to the muscles, brain function is minimised. Staying in a state of stress is also bad for our health, increasing levels of blood sugar and blood pressure.

People experience stress in very different ways and therefore there is no one way to deal with stress. It would be unhelpful to generalise when giving advice about stress, however, stress will still generally have negative effects and therefore manifest itself one way or another. It isn’t always possible to prevent stress so minimising the risk of stress-related issues as quickly as possible is key.

Prolonged stress can lead to illness, with stress contributing to heart disease, hypertension and high blood pressure. It is linked with strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, allergies, alopecia and even premature tooth loss.

All information correct at the time of writing.