Post Traumatic Stress Research Paper
Stress is a normal thing in life that can either help us grow or can cause us significant problems. Three-fourths of the human population undergoes stress in a 2 week period. The working population is subject to emotional, physical, and mental stress. Stress is one of the main factors causing insomnia and other sleep disorders. Stress causes chest pain in high cholesterol, cardiac problems, and depression. Stress also triggers blood vessels to close which reduces abundant bleeding from a flesh wound. In the article “What is Stress,” Martin states “ecologists usually describe stress as any perturbation, such as changes in an individual” (403). Martin clarifies that stress causes anxiety and changes in an individual. Some people cope with stress
…show more content…
by using drugs, pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, and eating but it actually worsens the stress. Stress affects the human body physically, emotionally, and mentally. Stress is related to the study of psychology because stress involves the body’s reaction to life’s situations. Some of these are increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate that are involved in the body’s fight or flight reactions. In some situations stress allows a person to do things they normally cannot do such as running faster or lifting heavy objects. Consistent stress can lead to heart attacks, stroke, or headaches. In psychology, the causes of stress are studied by how to control stress, how to teach people to control their own stress levels, and how to reduce stress. In psychology, stress is a feeling of force and pressure. Stressful life events could induce a series of psychological changes which could be referred to as psychological stress responses. In the article “The Effects of psychological Stress on Depression,” Yang, Zhao, Wang, Liu, Zhang, Li, and Cui states “according to the duration of stress, psychological stresses may be divided into two class: acute psychological stress and chronic psychological stress which could be subdivided into disconnected and persistent psychological stress” (496). They point out that there are two class of psychological stress. In response to psychological stress, impulses stemming from the higher cortical areas of the brain are transmitted to the hypothalamus through the limbic system. Many things cause stress and it can trigger everyone differently. According to Martin, forty of United States workers experience office stress and one-quarter say work is the biggest source of stress in their lives (403). Causes of work stress include: being unhappy at a job, having a heavy work load or too much responsibility, working long hours, and having poor management. In the article “The effects of different methods of emotional disclosure: differentiating post-traumatic growth from stress symptoms,” Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley states “traumatic or stressful life events can have a sustained impact on emotional and physical well-being; thus, it is vital to develop and test interventions to ameliorate those consequences” (993). They believe that stressful life events affect an individual emotionally and physically. Life stresses can also have an impact such as the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, traumatic event, and increase in financial obligations. Personal problems that can cause stress is health, emotional problems, relationships, major life changes, and family. Stress levels will differ based on an individual’s personality and how they respond to situations. Most people experience stress on a daily basis and many of the stressors are the same for everyone. Some people do not let the causes of stress get to them because work stresses and life stresses are just not a huge deal. Other people literally worry themselves sick which worsens their stress. The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Areas of the body affected by stress include: the brain and nerves, muscles and joints, heart, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and reproductive system. In the article “Diffusion Behaviors of Fluorescence Probe Molecules through the Stratum Corneum Layer under Physical Stress,” Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim states “external physical stress is continuously applied to the human skin and/or body and has been known to show physiological and therapeutic efficacy” (263). They point out that physical stress does affect the human body. Forty-three percent of adults suffer health effects from stress. According to Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim, seventy-five percent to 90% of doctor’s office visits are for stress-related disorders or complaints (264). Stress hormones affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The body responds by breathing faster in an effort to distribute oxygen and blood quickly to the body core. The digestive system can get upset by the rush of hormones, rapid breathing, and increased heart. Stress can affect the way food moves through the body which leads to diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. If a person is constantly under stress, their muscles do not get the chance to relax. Tight muscles cause headaches, back and shoulder pain, and body aches. Men may produce more of the male hormone testosterone during stress which may increase sexual arousal. For women, stress can affect the menstrual cycle. Stress stimulates the immune system, which can be a bonus because it helps keep infections from happening and heals wounds. Mental health issues that are caused by stress can range from homicidal or violent acts towards one or drive others to addictions.
The range of mental health disorders that are stress-related can be difficult to understand how two situations fall in the same category (Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim 265). Some people who are stressed may show mild signs of anxiety, such as fidgeting, biting their fingernails, or tapping their feet. Anxiety Disorders are one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders today. Post-traumatic stress disorder which is caused by stress can affect victims of abuse and violence of all types. Despite the many types of mental health disorders that currently exist because of stress, some of them tend to be more common than others. Mental health disorders are major problems. These disorders have been proven to be hereditary in some cases but that is the closest generalization that can be expected. A very common mental illness that is caused by stress is manic/chronic depressive disorder (Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley 995). This is characterized by highs and lows in moods for no apparent reason. If a person suffers from this disorder then they are happy or sad for no apparent reason. Stress is a major cause of this
problem. Many studies have been designed to examine the influence of immune and nervous systems on psychological consequences of stress. Researchers suggests that chronic stress can lead to or worsen mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, cognitive problems, personality changes, and problem behaviors (Yang, Zhao, Wang, Liu, Zhang, Li, and Cui 497). Chronic or severe stress can negatively affect people with Bipolar Disorder. This illness involves dramatic shifts in mood, energy level, and behavior from the lows of major depression. The presence of stress hormones in the body may alter the operation and structure some features of the nervous system. People who are chronically stressed may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, trouble learning new information, and problems with making decisions (Martin 405). Some people experience personality changes in people who are stressed include: irritability, hostility, frustration, anger, aggressive feelings and behavior, problems with communication, and social withdrawal. Stress can affect all features of an individual’s life including emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. Since people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. According to Martin, symptoms can be vague and may be the same as medical conditions (405). Emotional symptoms of stress include: becoming easily agitated, frustrated, moody, feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty relaxing, feeling lonely or depressed. Physical symptoms of stress include: low energy, headaches, upset stomach, chest pain, frequent colds and infections, and nervousness. Mental symptoms of stress include: constant worrying, forgetfulness, and disorganization, inability to focus, racing thoughts, and poor judgement. The best thing to do to prevent stress is know the stress symptoms. Many symptoms of stress can also be signs of other health problems. A doctor can evaluate the symptoms and rule out other conditions. If stress is to blame then a doctor can recommend a therapist or counselor to help a person handle their stress. There are some techniques that a person can do to stop having stress. Managing stress means for a person to take charge of their thoughts, emotions, and the way they deal with issues and problems. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, crystal therapy, acupressure massages, spas, and foot massages are all helpful in keeping stress down. Stress can effectively be cured by practicing these techniques. Meditating a few minutes per day can help ease anxiety. Research suggests that daily meditation may change the brain’s neural pathways, which helps with not having stress (Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley 995).
by using drugs, pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, and eating but it actually worsens the stress. Stress affects the human body physically, emotionally, and mentally. Stress is related to the study of psychology because stress involves the body’s reaction to life’s situations. Some of these are increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate that are involved in the body’s fight or flight reactions. In some situations stress allows a person to do things they normally cannot do such as running faster or lifting heavy objects. Consistent stress can lead to heart attacks, stroke, or headaches. In psychology, the causes of stress are studied by how to control stress, how to teach people to control their own stress levels, and how to reduce stress. In psychology, stress is a feeling of force and pressure. Stressful life events could induce a series of psychological changes which could be referred to as psychological stress responses. In the article “The Effects of psychological Stress on Depression,” Yang, Zhao, Wang, Liu, Zhang, Li, and Cui states “according to the duration of stress, psychological stresses may be divided into two class: acute psychological stress and chronic psychological stress which could be subdivided into disconnected and persistent psychological stress” (496). They point out that there are two class of psychological stress. In response to psychological stress, impulses stemming from the higher cortical areas of the brain are transmitted to the hypothalamus through the limbic system. Many things cause stress and it can trigger everyone differently. According to Martin, forty of United States workers experience office stress and one-quarter say work is the biggest source of stress in their lives (403). Causes of work stress include: being unhappy at a job, having a heavy work load or too much responsibility, working long hours, and having poor management. In the article “The effects of different methods of emotional disclosure: differentiating post-traumatic growth from stress symptoms,” Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley states “traumatic or stressful life events can have a sustained impact on emotional and physical well-being; thus, it is vital to develop and test interventions to ameliorate those consequences” (993). They believe that stressful life events affect an individual emotionally and physically. Life stresses can also have an impact such as the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, traumatic event, and increase in financial obligations. Personal problems that can cause stress is health, emotional problems, relationships, major life changes, and family. Stress levels will differ based on an individual’s personality and how they respond to situations. Most people experience stress on a daily basis and many of the stressors are the same for everyone. Some people do not let the causes of stress get to them because work stresses and life stresses are just not a huge deal. Other people literally worry themselves sick which worsens their stress. The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Areas of the body affected by stress include: the brain and nerves, muscles and joints, heart, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and reproductive system. In the article “Diffusion Behaviors of Fluorescence Probe Molecules through the Stratum Corneum Layer under Physical Stress,” Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim states “external physical stress is continuously applied to the human skin and/or body and has been known to show physiological and therapeutic efficacy” (263). They point out that physical stress does affect the human body. Forty-three percent of adults suffer health effects from stress. According to Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim, seventy-five percent to 90% of doctor’s office visits are for stress-related disorders or complaints (264). Stress hormones affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The body responds by breathing faster in an effort to distribute oxygen and blood quickly to the body core. The digestive system can get upset by the rush of hormones, rapid breathing, and increased heart. Stress can affect the way food moves through the body which leads to diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. If a person is constantly under stress, their muscles do not get the chance to relax. Tight muscles cause headaches, back and shoulder pain, and body aches. Men may produce more of the male hormone testosterone during stress which may increase sexual arousal. For women, stress can affect the menstrual cycle. Stress stimulates the immune system, which can be a bonus because it helps keep infections from happening and heals wounds. Mental health issues that are caused by stress can range from homicidal or violent acts towards one or drive others to addictions.
The range of mental health disorders that are stress-related can be difficult to understand how two situations fall in the same category (Lee, Ho, Woong, and Jin, Woong Kim 265). Some people who are stressed may show mild signs of anxiety, such as fidgeting, biting their fingernails, or tapping their feet. Anxiety Disorders are one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders today. Post-traumatic stress disorder which is caused by stress can affect victims of abuse and violence of all types. Despite the many types of mental health disorders that currently exist because of stress, some of them tend to be more common than others. Mental health disorders are major problems. These disorders have been proven to be hereditary in some cases but that is the closest generalization that can be expected. A very common mental illness that is caused by stress is manic/chronic depressive disorder (Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley 995). This is characterized by highs and lows in moods for no apparent reason. If a person suffers from this disorder then they are happy or sad for no apparent reason. Stress is a major cause of this
problem. Many studies have been designed to examine the influence of immune and nervous systems on psychological consequences of stress. Researchers suggests that chronic stress can lead to or worsen mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, cognitive problems, personality changes, and problem behaviors (Yang, Zhao, Wang, Liu, Zhang, Li, and Cui 497). Chronic or severe stress can negatively affect people with Bipolar Disorder. This illness involves dramatic shifts in mood, energy level, and behavior from the lows of major depression. The presence of stress hormones in the body may alter the operation and structure some features of the nervous system. People who are chronically stressed may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, trouble learning new information, and problems with making decisions (Martin 405). Some people experience personality changes in people who are stressed include: irritability, hostility, frustration, anger, aggressive feelings and behavior, problems with communication, and social withdrawal. Stress can affect all features of an individual’s life including emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. Since people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. According to Martin, symptoms can be vague and may be the same as medical conditions (405). Emotional symptoms of stress include: becoming easily agitated, frustrated, moody, feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty relaxing, feeling lonely or depressed. Physical symptoms of stress include: low energy, headaches, upset stomach, chest pain, frequent colds and infections, and nervousness. Mental symptoms of stress include: constant worrying, forgetfulness, and disorganization, inability to focus, racing thoughts, and poor judgement. The best thing to do to prevent stress is know the stress symptoms. Many symptoms of stress can also be signs of other health problems. A doctor can evaluate the symptoms and rule out other conditions. If stress is to blame then a doctor can recommend a therapist or counselor to help a person handle their stress. There are some techniques that a person can do to stop having stress. Managing stress means for a person to take charge of their thoughts, emotions, and the way they deal with issues and problems. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, crystal therapy, acupressure massages, spas, and foot massages are all helpful in keeping stress down. Stress can effectively be cured by practicing these techniques. Meditating a few minutes per day can help ease anxiety. Research suggests that daily meditation may change the brain’s neural pathways, which helps with not having stress (Slavin‐Spenny, Olga, Jay Cohen, Lindsay Oberleitner, and Mark Lumley 995).