A psychiatrist explains its cascading impact on physical health Read More Health & Wellness
Stress is an abstraction and its perception varies from individual to individual, the only way to gauge it is studying how the body reacts to it. (Pic credits: Pexels)
Ever since the death of a 26-year-old chartered account at Ernst and Young has raised a social media storm about the impact of a toxic work culture on human health, the larger question is can we ever measure stress?
The girl’s mother even wrote to the India head of Ernst and Young, saying “workload, new environment and long hours” were the reasons that her daughter died within four months of joining the organisation. While stress is an abstraction and its perception varies from individual to individual, the only way to gauge it is studying how the body reacts to it. That’s why no test can measure it as such, though heart rate variability (or the variation in time between heartbeats), studying brainwaves and irregular patterns through EEG (electroencephalography) and testing for high cortisol levels via a blood test are suggested by health workers.
“But it is better to look out for physical manifestations or how you react to stress,” says Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
Which physical symptoms are indicative of stress build-up?
Frequent headaches, hyperacidity, gastric disturbances, irritable bowel movements, muscle tension, migraine, tension headaches, joint pains, and other fleeting aches or pains. Watch out for changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, repeated awakenings in the middle of the night, early morning awakenings or excessive sleeping. Persistent fatigue, low energy levels and changes in appetite or weight are fairly good indicators too.
What about emotion trackers?
Mood swings or repeated feelings of irritability are common. Some feel overwhelmed at the slightest pressure, have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Others have feelings of anxiety or panic and impending doom. Watch out for loss of motivation or interest in work, even daily activities.
What behavioural changes do you see in those affected?
Many changes co-exist, some may experience a few of them but the following are broad pointers:
Increased absenteeism or lateness.
Procrastination or a decline in work performance.
Withdrawal from social interactions, both at work and outside.
Reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, smoking, drugs or overeating.
Lack of time or energy for hobbies or activities you used to enjoy once.
Bringing work-related stress home, which impacts family and leisure time.
Colleagues, friends, or family members express concern about your well-being.
Receiving feedback about significant changes in your behaviour or performance at work.
The burnout stage is characterised by feelings of detachment or cynicism about your job, a lack of accomplishment and considering leaving your job as the only solution to relieve stress.
How can stress affect your health?
Chronic and prolonged stress can lead to the early onset of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and high lipid levels. It can also worsen hair loss, acne, allergies, asthma, thyroid disorders, menstrual problems, auto-immune diseases or a lowered immune response.
Advertisement
Chronic and prolonged stress can give rise to psychological disorders like depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, eating disorders and sexual dysfunctions.
What are coping mechanisms?
This is easier said than done but there is a self-care gateway. Use tools like to-do lists or apps to break tasks into manageable time slots. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid taking work home or responding to emails outside of working hours. Learn to say ‘no’ politely for additional tasks if you have already reached your full capacity to prevent burnout.
Release endorphins with short walks or some form of physical activity, eat clean, sleep and do deep breathing exercises.
In the end, focus on what you can control and forget what you cannot. A healthier work-life balance is not a gift from others, it is about treating yourself right.
