Stress is a normal part of life, and it can show up in different ways. It might be a fleeting worry before meeting a work deadline or a constant weight that settles in and never seems to go away. Lightfully Behavioral Health offers personalized programs where clients can learn how to manage their mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how stress can impact your health, so you can recognize the signs early and take the steps you need to feel more balanced.

Acute stress vs. chronic stress

There are two main types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is a short-term, immediate reaction to a specific situation, like taking a final exam or reacting to a sudden scare. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a long-term reaction to persistent pressures in everyday life, such as financial strain or caregiving responsibilities. Understanding the difference can help you recognize your own stress patterns.

7 ways stress may impact your health

Stressors may seem small, but they can trigger your body’s built-in survival system. When you’re under pressure, your body releases hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol. These prepare you to either run away to safety or stay and handle the perceived threat — this is called your “fight-or-flight” response. This response isn’t meant to be a long-term solution and may affect your health in several ways:

1. Sleep quality

Stress can lead to sleep problems and insomnia. Even though you might feel tired and have a comfortable place to rest, elevated stress levels can decrease the amount of time you spend in deep sleep and disrupt REM sleep (the stage that contributes to brain function, memory consolidation and emotional health). 

2. Gut health

Did you know that your brain and gut are closely connected? When your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, it can affect your digestive system. This is likely due to the physiological changes that coincide with this response. For instance, you might notice symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

For some people, stress can also worsen existing gastrointestinal conditions, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Peptic ulcers

3. Body weight

Long-term stress may contribute to weight gain. When your body releases cortisol, this hormone tells your liver to release glucose (blood sugar) to give you more energy to survive a perceived threat. It also slows down certain processes, like your metabolism, to devote to more essential ones. However, chronic exposure to higher cortisol levels may increase your risk of gaining weight.

4. Heart health

Research shows that stress is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Over time, increases in your heart rate and blood pressure may affect your heart. Plus, too much stress can increase inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries, which may contribute to cardiovascular problems. If you have an existing heart issue, like arrhythmia, stress may also worsen your symptoms.

5. Immune system

Stress may impact your body’s ability to protect itself. Chronic stress can decrease your white blood cell count, making it harder for your immune system to fend off everyday illnesses. It can also increase inflammation throughout your body, which may worsen conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Psoriasis
• Lupus 

6. Cognitive function

Unmanaged stress and anxiety can also affect the way your brain functions. For example, you might notice that it’s harder to form or recall memories, juggle multiple tasks at once, or stay focused. It can also feel harder to make decisions and think things through clearly enough to assess potential risks accurately.

7. Mental well-being

Stress can take a toll on your psychological and emotional well-being. If you’re already living with a mental health condition, unmanaged stress may contribute to your symptoms. For example, it can increase the risk of hallucinations or delusions in individuals with schizophrenia and may trigger episodes of mania or depression in those with bipolar disorder. 

It’s also important to consider traumatic stress, a form of chronic stress that can arise after a shocking, scary or dangerous experience. For some people, it may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Get help with stress and anxiety at Lightfully

At Lightfully, we know how acute and chronic stress can affect your mind, body and overall health. By learning the root causes of your stress and sound coping techniques, you can build more resilience and develop a stronger, more balanced response to life’s challenges. 

Led by experienced, empathetic clinicians, our approach combines evidence-based, clearly defined practices with whole-person-centered care tailored to your individual needs and goals. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) incorporates treatment interventions that target key drivers behind your mental health symptoms and includes several levels of support: 

• Residential Treatment (RTC)
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also called our Day Treatment Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Virtual Services (vPHP and vIOP)

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate this alone either. Reach out now to explore the compassionate support available at Lightfully.