Stress kills. Constant long-term stress causes the body's immune system to work well below its efficiency and well below the necessary levels. Stress also causes other parts of the body to cease production of hormones or even cell growth in preparation for what's called "fight or flight." The fight-or-flight reaction is set off by stress and shuts down all unnecessary functions of the body so it can send blood to the necessary areas to perform either of these tasks. The brain also sends out warning signal hormones to the body.
Pain
Stress makes any condition with chronic pain worse. Often people with long-term stress feel the effects of preexisting conditions like arthritis worsen. Long-term stress can cause back problems and pain in other locations of the body. Stress may cause the muscles to tighten and increase both regular and migraine headaches.
Heart Problems
Often those with long-term stress have problems with chest pain or rapid heartbeat. While these aren't life-threatening at first, stress eventually takes its toll. Stress may increase blood pressure. Individuals that are competitive and impatient have a higher incident of heart disease than the general public. Often these same personality types become stressed more easily than more docile personalities.
Problems with Digestion
The stomach reacts to stress by either over- or under-producing digestive juices. Part of the fight-or-flight process is to shut down the areas unnecessary for the action and send blood and energy to the areas of the body needed for either action. Since digestion isn't necessary to fight or take flight, the blood flow to this area slows. According to the Cleveland Clinic, indigestion symptoms increase when the body is under stress. These symptoms include ulcers, constipation, diarrhea or ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Mental Problems
People suffering from long-term stress may have problems with memory, concentration, judgment and focus. Sometimes it turns a normally optimistic individual into a pessimist. You might notice a shorter fuse when it comes to temper and extreme agitation. Sleeplessness, isolation and a feeling of both loneliness and depression occur. Mood swings often occur, and anxiety is common.
Obesity
Stress causes the body to release CRH, a hormone that causes the person to either quit eating or want comfort foods. When this hormone turns on the appetite, it can cause overeating, which increases weight gain. During the flight-or-fight mode the body slows the metabolism to save energy; this may be another explanation for the link between stress and obesity.
The Immune System
The effects of stress on the immune system cause it to work less effectively. Often this leaves the body more vulnerable to infection, cancer and other diseases. People living with stress for long periods often find themselves catching every illness in their environment. Sometimes long-term stress triggers a reaction of the immune system that makes it attack its own body and suffer from auto-immune diseases.
Sexual Drive and Skin Problems
Long-term stress reduces sexual drive and may produce problems in the area of reproduction or cause erectile dysfunction. Stress aggravates conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis. Occasionally it causes skin problems like itchy rashes.
