2008 Woodie Awards
Stress.
Students find outlets to relieve anxiety
Caley Ochoa and Blair Tellers, Staff writers
Issue date: 10/17/06
Last Updated: 12/26/07
Many students give up a lot of things because of stress - sanity, money, longevity, health, sleep and happiness. Given the fact that these elements factor into the overall quality of life, students have to decide if stress is worth it.
Stress has a larger impact on the body than one might be aware. The "fight or flight" mechanism triggered by acute stress prepares the body to respond to various dangers. When this happens, the body releases adrenaline and the hormone cortisol, which regulates the heart and circulation. The pulse quickens, increasing oxygen intake and priming the muscles, lungs and brain for increased demands. Acute stress can also cause the skin to feel cold and clammy and digestion stops. This physical response may be helpful if one is an athlete. If one does not relieve stress through a physical outlet it can become a pain in the neck, literally.
Millions of people suffer from chronic stress. Chronic stress occurs when an external or internal stressor remains present for an extended period of time. It also occurs when the person experiencing the stress does not properly relieve or manage their stress. While acute stress has been known to cause certain health problems, chronic stress is more commonly responsible for the major health problems.
According to medical experts, stress is related to six of the leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Besides causing serious health problems, stress is attributed to minor health issues like headaches, dizziness, neck and muscle pain, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, weight fluctuation and sexual difficulties.
Stress can be caused by a variety of things from physical discomfort to psychological distress. When surveyed, 50 Whitworth students reported on their current feelings of stress. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the greatest amount of stress) students rated themselves at an average of 5.7. Women rated themselves on an average of 6.5 and men roughly 5.0 on the scale. When interviewed, men more frequently reported their lower stress was due to the fact that they just did not let themselves worry.
Stress has a larger impact on the body than one might be aware. The "fight or flight" mechanism triggered by acute stress prepares the body to respond to various dangers. When this happens, the body releases adrenaline and the hormone cortisol, which regulates the heart and circulation. The pulse quickens, increasing oxygen intake and priming the muscles, lungs and brain for increased demands. Acute stress can also cause the skin to feel cold and clammy and digestion stops. This physical response may be helpful if one is an athlete. If one does not relieve stress through a physical outlet it can become a pain in the neck, literally.
Millions of people suffer from chronic stress. Chronic stress occurs when an external or internal stressor remains present for an extended period of time. It also occurs when the person experiencing the stress does not properly relieve or manage their stress. While acute stress has been known to cause certain health problems, chronic stress is more commonly responsible for the major health problems.
According to medical experts, stress is related to six of the leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Besides causing serious health problems, stress is attributed to minor health issues like headaches, dizziness, neck and muscle pain, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, weight fluctuation and sexual difficulties.
Stress can be caused by a variety of things from physical discomfort to psychological distress. When surveyed, 50 Whitworth students reported on their current feelings of stress. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the greatest amount of stress) students rated themselves at an average of 5.7. Women rated themselves on an average of 6.5 and men roughly 5.0 on the scale. When interviewed, men more frequently reported their lower stress was due to the fact that they just did not let themselves worry.
For this reason, The Whitworthian asks readers to be responsible and respectful in any comments posted. The responsibility for statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not the whitworthian.com. Readers are also encouraged to report questionable comments by e-mailing editor@whitworthian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story