We have long known that stress can cause a range of physical problems, from a fast heartbeat to sleep problems.
But how harmful can it be?
Experts have told MailOnline that mental unrest can be just as deadly as physical illness.
According to psychologist Dr. Audrey Tang, long-term stress can lead to the release of hormones that dramatically increase the risk of heart attack and weight gain – which could lead to obesity-related diseases.
Dr. Tang revealed the warning signs that your stress levels are peaking and will cause physical problems for years to come.
It comes as football manager Pep Guardiola appeared to display an alarming stress reaction at a post-match press conference this week following the disappointing 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
The Manchester City boss was questioned about the cuts on his nose and scratches on his head which emerged after the match, to which he replied: ‘I cut myself’, ‘I want to hurt myself’.
His reference to self-harm prompted fans to express their concerns, but the 53-year-old has since admitted he was ‘caught off guard’ by the question, adding that he ‘didn’t want to make light of the very serious issue’. ‘.
Pep Guardiola suffered a number of cuts and was asked about it during a press conference
Guardiola has clarified his comment, stating that he “in no way intended” to make light of the issue of self-harm.
Chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang told MailOnline that stress can drastically affect the way we behave, but can also have a physical impact if it is termed chronic and lasts for at least a few weeks.
Dr. Tang said, “Psychologists look for signs that stress is affecting you on a daily basis. For example, if you don’t sleep, if you don’t eat, if you are irritable, if you don’t do all the things you love, if you are obsessed with something.’
Physically, the most common signs of chronic stress are chest pain, 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 the result of the ‘fight or flight’ response that is activated when we are threatened.
Together, these hormones cause the blood vessels to constrict, causing our heart to work harder to pump blood through the body.
This can lead to palpitations and chest pain, but also to high blood pressure and pain in the muscles and head.
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 the stress doesn’t go away, things like high blood pressure, heart attacks and all those physical things are more likely to happen,” Dr. Tang warned.
The NHS agrees that long periods of stress can increase our blood pressure and cause headaches, blurred vision and chest pain.
Another sign that cortisol levels are worryingly high is if you have trouble falling asleep or you wake up often during the night.
Dr. Tang explained that lack of sleep can cause daily problems and behavioral problems such as general irritability and carelessness.
However, sleep deprivation not only puts us in a bad mood, but can also hinder metabolism in the long term and further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, experts say.
Dr. Tang describes stress as a “vicious cycle” because a lack of sleep also makes it harder for the body to regulate cortisol levels, making the problem worse.
Another sign to look out for is a dramatic change in appetite.
“Sometimes stress makes us not eat at all, but in others it makes us eat a lot, and that’s the effect of cortisol affecting our normal processing,” she said.
Additionally, stress can make the body physically tense as a way to protect the body from injury and pain, according to the American Psychological Association.
This contributes to the muscle pain because the tissues are constantly tight.
Another sign that your stress is alarmingly high is a significant loss of libido.
According to mental health charity Mind, you can lose interest in sex or stop enjoying it.
That’s because chronic stress can affect testosterone production, resulting in a decile drop in sex drive.
Although there are no specific treatments for stress, you should consult your doctor if stress is affecting your physical health.
Studies show that stress should not be taken lightly.
A 2021 article showed that the 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.