What Is Stress Response Syndrome?
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For many people, stress is a daily issue. However, there are times in our lives when something causes us so much stress that our response may feel overwhelming. That is when people may develop stress response syndrome.
How Does Stress Affect the Mind and Body?
Stress has a much higher impact on the mind and body than people think. It may be one of the most insidious ways the body counteracts its own best intentions. When we are upset, our bodies attempt to protect us by releasing certain chemicals into the brain. These sometimes overload our systems, causing imbalances that cause negative reactions.
We are also programmed with a fight-or-flight response. When stressed, our bodies flood with even more chemicals that make our muscles tense, our jaws clench, and our heart rate increase. It may even produce issues in the gastrointestinal system.
Should these issues not be dealt with, we will be left tired, haggard, and emotional with no real place to put it all. When this happens too often, it can have a profound effect on our daily lives and mental health.
Disorders Caused by Stress Response Syndrome
Consistent stress can develop into complex disorders for people with excessive stress response syndrome. These can include:
These are only a handful of the mental health issues that can arise from stress response syndrome.
For these reasons, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible. The good news is that these are all treatable disorders. For many people, seeking professional treatment for something like stress may feel excessive. However, the toll it takes on the mind and body necessitates immediate treatment to prevent the worsening of issues or even added problems down the line.
Forms of Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for stress response syndrome and the disorders that arise from it. Alter Behavioral Health is at the forefront of this care and is eager to share our knowledge and facility with those seeking assistance.
Interpersonal therapy
One of the most well-known versions of treatment is interpersonal therapy. In this scenario, clients focus on their current relationships and how recent life changes may be affecting their behaviors. These sessions will often lead to breakthroughs regarding one’s stress responses and how their current life issues are affecting and being affected by stress and stressful situations.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
A form of talk therapy that is often used to assist with mental health is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a technique related to interpersonal therapy. However, the difference is to concentrate on changing one’s thought process and behavior. A medical professional will address the root of the problem but will primarily concentrate on changing one’s mindset. The thought is that when a person concentrates on looking forward, they will require less focus on their past.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
For people with overarching issues that cannot be immediately or completely assisted with therapy, there may also be assistance in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It is important to remember that MAT does not exist alone. It is most often utilized as a secondary “booster” with consistent therapeutic care.
Some individuals prefer to remain unmedicated. However, medical professionals will advise them about how medication can help them, even on a temporary basis.
Why Stress Response Syndrome Isn’t Forever
The main thing for people to remember is that when people struggle with stress response syndrome and related disorders, it does not mean they will feel this way for the rest of their lives. With the proper medication and mental health therapy, these disorders are manageable.
For many people, spending time in a recovery center such as Alter Behavioral Health can be a very helpful experience. The concept of being able to be in a completely safe space surrounded by caring staff and a calming environment can aid a person’s recovery. When they are allowed to focus on themselves and not worry about the outside world for a period of time it can accelerate the healing process. People living with stress response syndrome and related disorders are not only welcome but encouraged to find a program that fits them, their needs, and their lifestyle.
It should also be known that not every condition requires inpatient assistance. For some people, regular visits through outpatient programs can be exactly what they need. Much of the care required can be done through regular visits to medical professionals.
Regardless of how care is implemented, regular sessions are encouraged so that the person can create an ongoing, healthy state of mind. Once their new baseline is established, they will find care to be an integral part of their lives. When proper mental health becomes routine, it will become even more effective.
At Alter Behavioral Health, our first priority is the welfare of our clients. Regardless of their condition, our exceptional and knowledgeable staff will ensure that each individual receives the care they need. Whether staying with us or utilizing our outpatient program, each individual will learn that their condition is treatable. We understand the difficulty in accepting care and will do everything we can to assuage any fears. Each client is different, and therefore, their care is highly individualized. They will be matched with a medical professional who will create a plan of care unique to them. For more information about our program and how we can help you, call Alter Behavioral Health today at (866) 691-4386.
