Why Stress in Greenwich CT Is More Than an ‘Emotional Problem’

People often underestimate the effect stress has on daily life. After all, it’s a normal reaction that helps us respond to unexpected or demanding situations.

However, there’s a lot more to stress than meets the eye, because it causes emotional and physical responses in the body. As a result, living with constant stress in Greenwich CT can take a toll on all aspects of your health and cause serious complications.

Adam C. Massoud sees how stress impacts people on a daily basis. That’s why he offers stress relief consultations at Greenwich Wellness in Greenwich CT. These assessments can help you better understand how stress impacts your emotional and physical health, and Dr. Massoud can also provide treatments to restore balance to your everyday life.

How stress in Greenwich CT affects the body

When you think of stress, do you focus on the worry, fear, or anxiety it seems to cause? These are common emotions that bubble up in response to stress, but it doesn’t stop there.

Each time you encounter stress, your body releases hormones. This surge increases your pulse, tenses your muscles, raises your blood sugar, and makes your brain more alert. These changes may sound like a good thing, and technically they are if you need to slam on the brakes to escape an accident. However, problems can arise if your body stays in this state.

Living with chronic stress keeps your body in a vigilant state, increasing your risk of developing several health problems, such as:

• Diabetes
• Menstrual problems
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• Skin issues, such as eczema or acne
• Obesity
• Emotional disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Similarly, being under constant stress can also worsen health conditions you already have.

Signs of too much stress

Several things can lead to stress. For example, you may experience acute stress from time to time, such as when facing a big work meeting or arguing with someone.

However, chronic stressors typically develop over time and from situations that are harder to avoid, making it harder for the body to return to “normal” levels. Chronic stress can become harder to spot in these cases, because you can become accustomed to feeling anxious, worried, or afraid.

Common signs of too much stress include:

• Stiffness in the neck or jaw
• Frequent aches, pains, or headaches
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Forgetfulness or problems focusing
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as upset stomach, constipation, or diarrhea
• Weight gain or loss
• Sexual problems

It’s also common for people living with too much stress to use substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to help them relax.

Finding help for chronic stress

Ready for some good news? You can live an emotionally and physically balanced life with the right treatment plan.

First, Dr. Massoud performs an in-depth assessment to better understand your overall needs and goals. Part of this involves questions about your daily routine, such as your diet, exercise habits, and home and work life. Dr. Massoud also asks about sources of stress you may have in your everyday life and ways you cope with it.

Finally, Dr. Massoud performs a physical examination, orders any lab tests that may be needed, and reviews your medical history and any medications or supplements you may take.

Based on his findings, Dr. Massoud might recommend a variety or combination of stress relief treatments, such as:

• Acupuncture to promote relaxation and a general sense of well-being
• Chiropractic care to ease nerve tension and release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins
• Massage therapy to reduce pain and muscle tension, promote relaxation, and lower stress hormones

If you’ve noticed signs of chronic stress, such as headaches or GI problems, Dr. Massoud can give you a thorough evaluation and help you get the relief you need. To learn more, call (203) 637-1111 or book an appointment online with Greenwich Wellness today.