Can Stress Impact Our Physical Health?

Often we talk about mental well-being and physical health in different buckets. But the evidence indicates that they are intricately intertwined. In the APA 2022 survey on stress, 3/4 of adults reported having a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea and other symptoms due to stress and 1/3 were so impacted that they could not function in their day to day lives.

Women, especially as caregivers, often experience stress even more. 53% of women in a 2022 Deloitte survey reported stress being higher than in the pandemic and 1/2 reported burnout.

Unfortunately this stress can take a toll on the physical body. In a study published this week by JACC, elevated levels of stress and depression in women were associated with heart attacks (MI). Additionally those who had higher levels of stress were more likely to have coronary artery blockages.

Women are often the caregivers in families, advocating for aging parents, sick family members and children. Reducing stress and depression risk is key in our ‘chief health officers’ of our homes and communities.

Prevention strategies in mental wellness are key- what can make a difference?

Hansa Bhargava

Physician, Author CBCT Instructor

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Building More Content: Reframing As A Tool To Reduce Anxiety