Understanding the Connection: Why Managing Stress is Vital for Your Health

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and we believe your mental well-being is just as critical as your physical health. Here are helpful tips and considerations for managing stress and its impact on overall health.

The Hidden Impact of Stress

Did you know that stress-related issues account for over 30% of emergency ¹ and mental health presentations among adolescents?

When we are under chronic stress, our bodies remain in a constant state of fight or flight, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can take a toll on your cardiovascular system, increasing the risk ² of high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Taking Control of Your Wellness

• Identify Your Triggers: Recognizing what causes your blood pressure to spike is the first step toward prevention.
• Prioritize Preventative Care: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor physical symptoms of stress, like hypertension, before they become emergencies.
• Find Integrated Support: Seek out behavioral health services at a clinic or hospital near you.

Our care teams utilize several key stress tests and screenings to evaluate your risk. This includes resting heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, which can signal chronic sympathetic nervous system activation.

What Better Time than Now to Check Your Stress Levels?

You may have heard the saying that “you cannot manage what you do not measure.” Checking your stress levels goes beyond a gut feeling; it involves clinical assessments that provide a clear picture of your internal health.

Your journey to better health starts with a calmer mind. This month, let’s commit to stress-less living, not just for your peace of mind, but for the long-term health of your heart and body.

References

• Blackburn, R., Ajetunmobi, O., Mc Grath-Lone, L., Hardelid, P., Shafran, R., Gilbert, R., & Wijlaars, L. (2021). Hospital admissions for stress-related presentations among school-aged adolescents during term time versus holidays in England: weekly time series and retrospective cross-sectional analysis. BJPsych Open, 7(6). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.1058

• American Heart Association. (2020, February 4). Chronic stress can cause heart trouble. Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/02/04/chronic-stress-can-cause-heart-trouble