There are some people who only get stress from time to time

and there are others who suffer from chronic stress.

Obviously, it is easier to deal with stress that only

arises occasionally, while it is almost impossible to get

away from chronic stress.

Chronic stress is a condition in which stress arrives

routinely and can often stay for days, weeks, and even

months at a time, leaving people almost unable to think

about anything other than everything that there is to worry

about . Unfortunately, the mere sense of worry is not the

worst the worst of it. It also leaves people fatigued and

unable to concentrate and it can lead to problems with

memory and even leave people unable to sleep right. Then,

in its worst forms, it can even lead to a complete nervous

breakdown, leaving the sufferer incapable of doing anything.

On top of the mental symptoms, chronic stress also leads to

a weakened immune system, leaving a person vulnerable to

disease. Then, if left unchecked, chronic stress will

cause high blood pressure, coronary disease and even

strokes. This is because stress tends to elevate the blood

pressure, which is very dangerous if it continues too long.

And as the heart continues to pump too quickly, it will

swell up and eventually break down. Also, stress tells the

body to create more platelets, which are designed to stop

bleeding in cuts. Unfortunately, these can also lead to

blood clots, such as those that cause hearts attacks and

strokes. Thus, chronic stress can have serious

repercussions on a person's physical health.

One source of chronic stress can actually be post-traumatic

stress disorder. This is a syndrome in which the person

has had some sort of sudden, severe stress that has shocked

the mind so fiercely that it is incapable of moving beyond

that moment. In fact, there is research showing that a

severe shock to the system can actually change the

chemistry of the brain so that it is becomes suddenly

accustomed to stress and it actually desires to stay in a

state of stress. Thus, instead of moving beyond a severe

shock, the brain is stuck in it and it is almost addicted

to the sense of stress. Thus, rather than finding a way to

come to grips with the problem, the brain is actually

trying to return to it so that it can feel that shock

again. This may seem to be counterintuitive, since the

stress is usually a very unpleasant one, but the sudden

rush of chemicals to the brain is not unlike using a drug.

And, after that experience, the brain wants more of those

chemicals in order to get its "fix".

However, a sudden shock is not the only source of chronic

stress. In fact, chronic stress can also result from a

long period of stress. This may come from an intense

period of work, or a rough period of time with the family,

or even a project that was both enjoyable and a high

priority. Just like post-traumatic stress disorder, the

brain has become accustomed to having all those exciting

chemicals flowing through it, so wants to return to the

days when it was working at such an intense rate. Thus,

once the brain is tuned for stress, it immediately goes

back to it like a junkie returning to a dealer.

The problem, of course, is how to get the brain to get less

accustomed to stress. Unfortunately, this is not easy,

since the brain's chemistry is now attuned to the feeling

and its receptors now have a heightened sensitivity to

stress. This is not easy, but it can be done.

People with chronic stress should seek relief through

exercise, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep every

night. All of these activities will help balance the mind

and allow it to work more clearly while easing fatigue and

the inability to concentrate. As well, a long vacation can

provide some relief, as the simple act of getting away from

it all will give the mind a chance to relax. Or, for the

most severe cases, a person suffering from chronic stress

may want to see a counselor or therapist who can help them

through their memories and find some solutions. However,

there is a certain stigma attached to this form of therapy,

so people often shy away from seeking it. But people

suffering from chronic stress should be afraid to ask for

help and these people are more than happy to provide it.

Though chronic stress is difficult to deal with, it is not

an impossible syndrome. Sufferers simply need to come to

grips with their stress and find solutions that will work

for them. Though it is a tough road to travel down, the

rewards are immense for both mental and physical health.

Thus, once chronic stress has been found, it should be

dealt with immediately.