Mental health plays a crucial role in determining overall longevity. Chronic stress, a common issue in today’s fast-paced world, can have negative effects not only on mental well-being but also on physical health. Stress triggers a cascade of hormonal responses that can lead to anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system, potentially increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Recognizing these impacts is important for fostering a healthier lifestyle and living a longer, happier life.
At HealthspanMD, we are dedicated to providing expert resources for managing stress effectively. Dr. Robert Todd Hurst and Dr. Lisa Hurst are passionate advocates for mental wellness and longevity. Dr. R. Todd Hurst occasionally hosts the enlightening HealthspanMD podcast, where he and expert guests share valuable insights and strategies for enhancing your overall health and extending your lifespan.
If you're ready to take control of your health and well-being, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at HealthspanMD in Phoenix, AZ. Together, we can navigate the path to a healthier, longer life!
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Keep reading to learn more about the effects of stress on your health and longevity as discussed by Dr. Hurst and our recent podcast guest: organizational psychologist and board-certified health and wellness coach Dr. Melissa Lewis Duarte.
The Science of Stress
The physiological process of the stress response is designed as a survival mechanism, commonly known as the 'fight or flight' response. When a person perceives a threat, the body releases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare it for immediate action. This response leads to increased heart rate, heightened vigilance, and enhanced energy production. However, when stress becomes chronic, prolonged exposure to these physiological changes can lead to serious health consequences.
As Dr. Hurst elaborates in the podcast, 'In most of those cases, in almost every case, it's some kind of stress. It could be death of a loved one, gambling losses, severe pain, anything along those lines.'
Stress manifests in various forms, and its implications can be profound. Dr. Hurst shares a story from his own medical career:
'There's this organization that does the evaluation of hospitals called the Joint Commission, and everybody calls them JCO. They just show up out of nowhere and evaluate hospitals, and if you fail, you're not JCO approved.' He recounts the immense pressure faced at this hospital, leading to severe stress levels among the staff and resulting in multiple cases of heart complications.
Acute (immediate) stressors can certainly have serious health consequences. However, Dr. Hurst emphasizes that 'way more impactful in health is chronic stress”, meaning lower levels of stress over prolonged periods of time.
It is critically important to find ways to deal with long-term stress if longevity is your goal.
Learn more about what HealthspanMD can do for those with chronic stress issues by requesting a call from our team.
The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health
While the effects of stress on the body are undoubtedly psychological, the physiological effects are very real as well. Chronic stress can be linked to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression: all of which can have serious detrimental effects on your quality of life, even decreasing your lifespan.
In the podcast, Dr. Melissa Lewis Duarte shared her own experience with physical stress symptoms while her newborn son was in the NICU for months.
'It was overwhelming, crushing stress,' says Dr. Lewis Duarte. 'And I realized when going to my doctor, [when] over the course of a year or so I got diagnosed with both POTS, which is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and vertigo, that stress was causing me a lot of physical problems!'
Recognizing Stress Symptoms
Understanding when stress has begun to impact your health negatively can be harder than it seems. As Dr. Lewis Duarte notes, “There's so much diversity in stress, but also how we feel it, and also how it impacts us.'
This vagueness often makes it challenging for individuals to identify their limits. Dr. Lewis Duarte explains, “Most of us know that our limit has been reached, or we at least feel it, and it's different for everyone.” Common indicators that stress levels may be too high include physical sensations such as a “pressure in their chest,” ongoing worry, an inability to focus, and disturbances in sleep patterns.
Other indicators of stress manifesting physically might include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension or pain
- Stomach problems
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability or anger
- Feeling overwhelmed
“There’s this whole constellation of vague symptoms that unfortunately can be associated with a lot of other things,” Dr. Lewis Duarte adds. Her patients often end up saying, “I wanna feel well, but I don't really know what that means anymore.'
Ultimately, each person must assess their state and communicate any concerns about their well-being. Only then can they address their stress levels and take the necessary steps to find balance.
Managing Stress for Better Health and Longer Life
Identifying stress as the source of health issues can be an important first step, but it is essential to address and manage stress effectively.
As Dr. Lewis Duarte discussed her own experience, “It got to the point where my doctor said, 'We might need to consider some medication to decrease your stress and anxiety. It's causing you so many problems. And I knew in that moment that, although there was nothing wrong with taking medicine for that, I wanted to at least try the things that would help me to feel better and to feel well before doing that.”
While medication can be a helpful tool, Dr. Lewis Duarte emphasizes the importance of creating a personal lifestyle system that facilitates the effective management of stress.
The Role of HealthspanMD in Stress Management and Longevity
HealthspanMD, located in Phoenix, AZ, offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at addressing both physical and mental health needs through a preventive, mind-and-body approach. The practice recognizes that managing stress is crucial for achieving optimal health and longevity.
Their team includes highly educated, certified lifestyle and mental health coaches who specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven method for helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns and reduce anxiety. Our multidisciplinary coaches can also help you create achievable lifestyle goals and provide support as you work towards improving your overall well-being.
By promoting awareness and understanding of the connection between mental and physical health, HealthspanMD empowers patients to take active roles in their wellness journeys. The combination of mental health support and physical health strategies at HealthspanMD effectively enhances the quality of life, making it a pivotal resource for those seeking to break free from the cycle of chronic stress.
If You Want Quality Years, Make Your Mental Health a Priority with HealthspanMD
Taking control of your health begins with acknowledging the impact of stress on your life. By prioritizing stress management, you not only enhance your physical and mental well-being but also pave the way for a longer, healthier life. It’s essential to implement effective strategies tailored to your individual needs, and the expert team at HealthspanMD is here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t wait for stress to take a toll on your health—take action now. Request an appointment with HealthspanMD today and embark on your journey toward better health and longevity. Whether it's through personalized stress management techniques or the guidance of certified coaches, your path to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts here.
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