When Stress Becomes a Medical Concern

November 22, 2016

— Health & Safety Tips

Did you know that to a certain extent, stress is actually helpful to every single one of us?

Stress is a normal part of life. Simply put, stress is our body’s reaction to a challenge or a demand. It serves as a signal for us to react and respond appropriately, and make adjustments in relation to our environment.

Stress, in short bursts, can help one to meet a deadline, or avoid danger. However, when stress occurs over a prolonged period of time, it can be harmful.

Excessive stress that is constant and persistent for long periods is called chronic stress. When left untreated, it may cause a wide range of debilitating psychological and physical effects.

Unlike acute stress (which is stress in short bursts), chronic stress is more difficult to manage with typical stress management techniques.

Stress becomes a medical concern if it is already beginning to affect a person’s function and way of life. If stress renders one incapable of working or functioning at home because of the recurrence of physical symptoms even in the absence of the stressor, it is best to immediately seek medical help from professionals. Examples of these physical symptoms include feelings of dizziness, rapid breathing, or racing heartbeat.

Stress also becomes a medical concern if it is beginning to contribute to the development or exacerbation of already existing illnesses such as heart diseases and depression. It likewise becomes a medical concern if it is starting to bring forth symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, edema, high blood pressure, and a very weak immune system. These are considered to be symptoms of an underlying serious health condition.

Other than physical illnesses, stress can also give rise to psychological illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and panic, which are all valid medical concerns. Especially if the depression, anxiety, or panic attack is accompanied by suicidal thoughts, it is automatically considered as a medical emergency.

If you’re looking for an emergency facility within the Corpus Christi area, consider Physicians Premier. Physicians Premier is your 24-hour emergency care center in Corpus Christi, TX. This Corpus Christi ER is able to cater to all kinds of emergencies, whether major or minor.

Physicians Premier ER has a state-wide presence. To know the specific locations of each Physicians Premier immediate care center, visit: https://mdpremier.com/locations/. For more information about Physicians Premier, you may also visit https://mdpremier.com/contact-us/.

Other Locations:

• Saratoga Emergency Room
• Staples Corpus Christi Emergency Room
• Ennis Joslin South Padre Island Emergency Room
• Portland Texas Emergency Room
• Calallen Texas Emergency Room

Saratoga Emergency Room

Stress landed me in the hospital. The prescription was my first ‘me-cation’.

One Small Thing

After a devastating divorce and both parents dying within a year, I’ve learned that a vacation away from work and the kids is powerful medicine.

Kathleen Kenehan on a hike in the desert in Arizona.Courtesy Kathleen Kenehan

Nov. 15, 2018, 11:56 AM UTC

By Kathleen Kenehan

A recent divorce. The death of both parents in 3 months. A firstborn child heading off to her first year of college. A family pet dying.

I had dealt with all four of these life-altering situations over the past year and, coupled with me running a thriving business and single parenting five children, my stressful life had finally caught up with me. After dropping off my daughter Emily at college, my 47-year-old heart wasn’t feeling right. And, I don’t mean I felt heartbroken from missing her (which I did). I actually had some nagging chest pain and other symptoms that I kept putting off due to my hectic pace. With a family history of heart disease, I knew stress could be a factor in causing some valid cardiac concerns. After an unexpected ER visit and an overnight stay at the hospital to double check that running on emotional and physical “empty” hadn’t caused me actual lasting damage (which thankfully it didn’t), my trusted family doctor prescribed me something: some much-needed and ongoing self-care.

An offer I couldn’t refuse

Concerned about the compounding ramifications of my past few years of grief, a longtime client of mine presented a very generous offer. They booked a trip for me to get away from my busy agency and five kids over a long weekend. The condition? I needed to rest and recover for four days alone. The pragmatic side of me had avoided such luxuries of late because I have a second child beginning college next fall and self-care of this magnitude seemed frivolous to a working single mother. However, this kind gift and unusual opportunity was one that came at the most perfect time for me and I seized the moment. My kids were all in full support and some wonderful friends were more than happy to ensure my children were well cared for during my retreat.

I packed 12 self-help books (that I wanted to read but never could in my “real” life), several swimsuits, some work out attire and definitely no makeup or stilettos and began my mini self-discovery trip.

Upon landing in Scottsdale, Arizona, I headed to a place called Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain. I was immediately transfixed by the hot dry air, the bright blue skies, cacti and vivid florals in every direction. I immediately felt myself exhaling for probably the first time in three long years of loss. In reflecting back about that first day, I had some anxiety and trepidation about my ability to just completely turn my brain off. Could I possibly like being by myself? In my entire life, I had never traveled for pleasure or self-care alone. I always had a spouse or children tagging along so this was quite foreign to me. The first night I was alone, I got a bit panicky. I texted a close girlfriend and told her I wasn’t sure I was cut out for solo vacationing. Her advice? She asked me what I would have been doing anyway that night if I’d been back at home in Chicago. I answered: likely watching a show on Netflix or reading. So, she said, get over myself and do it there. And that’s just what I did. I embraced her candidness and took a bath and watched TV in the tub and smiled. Maybe this wasn’t half bad?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJe7dKgaOl

Coming back to life

Over the next several days, I began to notice myself coming to life again in a way I hadn’t in a long, long time. I started just being very grateful to be in a quiet, beautiful place. I ate delicious healthy breakfasts each day. I embraced (and somewhat feared) hiking up a mountain with a guide who kept me from falling over the edge and well-hydrated in the 100-degree heat. I read four (yes four!) books during the trip. I tried an aerial yoga class that sounded fun and different to me (let’s just say P!NK does it better than I do!). I meditated and prayed. I became my own favorite companion. It was incredibly freeing and just what I needed after my losses and busy life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnOeYlXghA4

As I was flying home, I began to create a list on my iPhone (I’m still type A when relaxed) and began to make personal commitments to myself. I would get more rest, I would exercise more, I would eat healthier foods. So what was top of the list, you ask? I would invest in myself and always plan to take a me-cation each year. I found that after my inaugural trip, I was more relaxed, reflective and inspired which has helped me immensely.

A ‘me-cation’ with lasting effects

In fact, in the month or two since returning, I have found myself being so much more peaceful and balanced in work and life. I have also had a renewed energy and joy about me that others are noticing both in photos and when they see me out and about. Considering a solo trip? I’d like to offer the following tips to anyone who has experienced loss, deals with anxiety or just has a stressful life like me:

• Don’t feel guilty. Of course my first reaction to the suggestion of my trip to Arizona was to say a firm no due to my responsibilities to my children and my employees. Guess what? Everyone was not only happy to help but admitted I needed to go. That gave me the self-permission to accept a blessing and just go enjoy myself.
• Document the journey. I promised myself I wouldn’t look at email or do any calls during my “me-cation” and I kept that promise. However, I did take tons of shots of beauty that I saw all around me. I have found myself looking back on those photos often since and it centers me and reminds me of why it was such a good idea to go in the first place. Document your trip in some way by journaling or photography so you can reflect later.
• Make a commitment to do it again. It had never occurred to me that I needed this trip so badly until I went. Now, I will always commit to better self-care and self-discovery to help me continue to evolve and become a “better version of me,” as one dear friend of mine likes to say. I also think it’s really good role modeling for my children to see the importance of self-care and nurturing for their future, likely stressful, lives.

I’ve continued to be busier than ever at work and my every-minute-of-the-day job as a mom of five wonderful kids. My kids weren’t sorry I went. My team felt thankful that I was more focused and happier than I was before I left. Ultimately, I feel more connected to myself and God than ever before because I took time to feed my mind, body and soul. Don’t wait until you are in the hospital to recognize you need to love yourself first before you can love others. Travel agents are standing by.

MORE FROM BETTER

• Try this simple trick to unburden yourself from an over-stuffed schedule
• I said ‘no’ to unpaid emotional labor by saying goodbye to this word
• Why the 20/10 method can change the way you clean your house
• This daily gratitude routine can train your brain to be happier

Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kathleen Kenehan

Kathleen Kenehan Henson is a contributor to NBC News BETTER and the founder and CEO of Agency H5, an award-winning public relations and integrated marketing firm based in Chicago. 

Nervous breakdown – what it is, causes, symptoms, treatment

Everyone faces stress, but for some people it can develop into a nervous breakdown. What is a nervous breakdown, why does it occur and how does it manifest itself? Especially for Forbes Life, clinical psychologist, co-founder of the YouTalk service Anna Krymskaya talks about the causes, symptoms and consequences of this condition

What is a nervous breakdown

In the past, the term “nervous breakdown” was often used to refer to various mental disorders, but today such a diagnosis in there is no medicine, and a nervous breakdown is not considered a mental illness. The terms “nervous breakdown”, “nervous breakdown” or “emotional breakdown” often describe a condition where a person cannot cope with stress, anxiety and anxiety on their own, cannot function normally in everyday life.

Causes of a nervous breakdown

Although a breakdown is not a mental illness, any other disorder such as PTSD, depression, borderline personality disorder, or etc.), can provoke a breakdown.

Chronic stress can also cause a nervous breakdown, for example, caused by a series of financial difficulties, problems at work and in personal relationships. At risk are people who do not have stress tolerance skills and reliable social support.

You can prevent stress from developing into a nervous breakdown if you “catch” your condition a few weeks before the crisis point

How to understand that you have a nervous breakdown

The signs of a nervous breakdown vary from person to person and depend on the cause. Each organism reacts in its own way. Some symptoms are related to mental state, well-being and changes in behavior. However, physical symptoms are also possible.

Psychological symptoms of a nervous breakdown can manifest themselves as:

• acute anxiety that the person cannot cope with on their own;
• a feeling of detachment and disinterest in communicating with friends and relatives, doing the usual things;
• inability to focus and make decisions;
• mood swings – feeling of depression, emotional burnout, outbursts of uncontrollable anger and fear, feeling of helplessness, sobbing and hysteria;
• depersonalization – a state when a person does not feel himself;
• isolation from reality — a person does not distinguish between reality and imagination;

• as well as hallucinations, paranoia (the feeling that someone is watching you), suicidal thoughts and self-harm attempts.

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Physical symptoms include insomnia and restless sleep, fatigue and exhaustion up to the inability to do even normal daily activities, frequent colds, digestive disorders. As well as such physiological manifestations as heart palpitations, discomfort in the chest, a feeling of a coma in the throat, which seems to make it harder to breathe – that is, signs of a panic attack. Some of the symptoms of a nervous breakdown are similar to those of burnout, a state of mental and emotional exhaustion that is often the result of chronic workplace stress.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov Pexels

Treatment of a nervous breakdown

There is no universal answer to the question of how to treat a nervous breakdown. Depending on the situation and diagnosis, both a psychiatrist and a psychologist will help to cope with a nervous breakdown – these specialists have a different profile of work, often in the event of a nervous breakdown, the support of both is needed.

A psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. If some mental disorder has become the basis for a nervous breakdown, medications can help treat it. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are usually prescribed, but other medication options are available depending on the condition.

Diet, physical activity, and some simple habits can help you through a stressful period.

In terms of psychological help, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective treatment for nervous disorders. This approach helps to identify errors and false attitudes in thinking and interpreting life events, it works effectively for a specific task and in short-term therapy, for example, within 20 sessions. CBT is an important mechanism for the treatment of anxiety disorders of various nature. For a nervous breakdown, cognitive behavioral therapy may include homework, journaling to analyze experiences that occur during the day, refocusing, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques, as well as exposure (intentional encounters with frightening situations in order to reduce fear) and rational-emotive role-playing games. A psychologist should be able to ask open-ended questions correctly, show empathy and give a person the necessary tools that will help them to help themselves in the future.

What to do to avoid a nervous breakdown

You can prevent stress from developing into a nervous breakdown if you “catch” your condition a few weeks before the crisis point. Try not to overload yourself, find time to replenish resources and slow down.

Some simple habits can help you through stressful times. All of them are quite simple, but proven effective. Try to eat a balanced diet that energizes. The diet should be varied, it is worth removing coffee, alcohol and other stimulants from the diet to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Do not forget about regular physical activity – it can even be small daily walks.

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Relaxation techniques and breathing practices also show high efficiency in the fight against stress. For example, you can use a visualization technique where you create a mental image of a place that calms you, or muscle relaxation, where you first tense and then relax different muscle groups. Try focusing on deep, slow breathing: inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.

If you have a nervous breakdown, you are in a critical condition and urgently need help, you can contact one of these organizations:

+7 (800) 2000-122 – a helpline for children, adolescents and their parents.

+7 (499) 216-50-50 – emergency psychological assistance.

+7 (499) 901-02-01 – assistance to survivors of sexual violence.

+7 (495) 916-30-00 – assistance to survivors of domestic violence (the Violence.net Center is recognized in Russia as a foreign agent).

+7 (800) 101-65-47 – hotline for men.

Department of Neurology. Hospitalization in a neurological hospital

The nervous system is one of the most complex in the human body, affecting the work of almost all organs and systems. Therefore, it is so important to recognize the violation in time, often timely treatment can prevent the development of serious consequences.

Hereditary predisposition, injuries, infections, cerebrovascular accident, tumors, degenerative processes – the causes of neurological disorders are quite numerous and varied. With some diseases, the condition deteriorates rapidly, and the help of an experienced neurologist is the only way to maintain health. The neurological department provides assistance to patients with various disorders that have arisen acutely or disturbing a person for a long time – both on weekdays and on weekends or holidays – around the clock! Our neurologists have at their disposal modern methods of diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation in accordance with European standards.

What symptoms should I see a neurologist for?

A neurologist cares for patients with many and varied disorders, which may include:

• pain: headache, in the back, neck, limbs, possibly radiating to another part of the body;
• decreased sensation in any area, tingling;
• blurred vision, flies, fog, hearing, smell, taste, speech disorders;
• weakness, change in muscle tone, atrophy;
• unsteadiness of gait, incoordination, tremor, convulsions, tic, paralysis, paresis;
• dizziness, tinnitus;
• loss of consciousness;
• sleep problems, memory impairment, inability to concentrate or remember new information.

Diagnosis

Symptoms of neurological diseases are very diverse, our specialists are able to differentiate a condition caused by overwork, stress, etc. from a serious disease requiring complex treatment. Examination is possible in the shortest possible time, at the disposal of our patients, in addition to general clinical tests, the entire range of diagnostics:

• X-ray examinations, including angiography;
• Computed (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI) and positron emission tomography;
• Electroencephalography;
• Electroneuromyography;
• Ultrasound, including neurosonography and duplex scanning
• Lumbar puncture;
• Immunological studies and genetic profile
• Cognitive research, etc.

Treatment

When providing assistance in the clinic, the most effective methods are used, which are actively practiced in the best European clinics. In the treatment, we use only proven drugs that have been certified. Depending on the patient’s condition, there is the possibility of treatment at a day hospital.

When surgical treatment is required, patients can count on the help of qualified and experienced neurosurgeons; Our operating theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art, expert-class equipment. For us, there are no identical patients, for each person – only an individual approach!

Rehabilitation of neurological patients

For patients with neurological diseases, we offer a full range of activities that will help to fully or partially restore the functions lost during the illness. At the service of patients:

• physiotherapy exercises,
• physiotherapy,
• reflexology,
• massage,
• mechanotherapy (use of special simulators)
• occupational therapy, etc.

For some pathologies that today cannot be completely cured, for example, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases, rehabilitation will help slow down the progression of the disease, stabilize and even improve the patient’s condition.