Guide To The Symptoms Of Stress

Dizziness

Stress often triggers dizziness. This is evidenced in many conditions in which it is a common symptom. For example, dizziness and vertigo are both common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Vestibular migraine, a condition that typically causes sufferers to feel dizzy, is also known to be triggered by stress. One explanation for this is that stress can cause anxiety, which can lead to shallow breathing. The result of this a decrease in the amount of oxygen available in the blood. The lack of oxygen received by the brain can then lead to lightheadedness.

There is evidence that some individuals tend to hyperventilate once they become aware of this symptom. It can worsen to the point where they begin to feel dizzy. It is also important to note that three different types of stress can cause individuals to feel dizzy: mental, physical, and emotional stress. Of these three types, various studies have associated mental and emotional stress more strongly with dizziness.

Irritability

One of the more apparent signs of stress is irritability. This form of agitation often precedes other symptoms, such as anger, mood swings, fatigue, and depression. The link between stress and irritability has been well documented, and researchers have identified different ways that stress can bring about these feelings. First, stress causes inflammation within the body that involves the release of cytokines. These are molecules that the immune system produces. Cytokines regulate inflammation, though they can also affect mood when they disrupt the natural circuitry between the brain and the nervous system.

In addition, stress leads to a sharp rise in cortisol and other hormones. An imbalance of these hormones within the body has been found to correlate with irritability. Irritability can cause a decrease in an individual's quality of life and can damage their working and personal relationships with others. Some studies have found links between increased irritability and more severe symptoms in patients suffering from various health conditions, such as heart failure.