Understanding Stress-Related Disorders

Stress is a part of life but when it becomes constant and intense, it could lead to mental and physical health issues that can have far-reaching effects. 

Continuous stress can lead to:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Anxiety that lasts for days and even months
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Crippling anxiety and/or deep sadness after traumatic events
• Panic disorder: The sudden and uncontrollable onset of fear or panic
• Burnout: Job-related distress and/or exhaustion
• Depression: A feeling of deep sadness that may result in a loss of interest in daily activities

Stress can also result in physical ailments like heart disease, obesity, asthma, ulcers, and headaches. It can aggravate or trigger type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and more.

Join the Islamic Medical Association Association of North America as we explore the relationship between stress and the mental health disorders mentioned above.

What Constitutes Stress? 

The World Health Organization defines stress as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” It is the natural response to negative circumstances. While we all go through challenges in life, our well-being depends on how we respond to those challenges. 

IMANA’s compassionate healthcare initiatives cover stress-related disorders. When people experience life-threatening situations such as calamities and conflict, they need support to cope and rebuild their lives. Professional intervention is often necessary in the management of stress-related disorders so patients can lead fulfilling lives.

Common Types of Stress-Related Disorders

Overwhelming chronic stress can lead to mental health disorders or syndromes such as:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 

Generalized anxiety disorder is when a person experiences worry on most days for at least 6 months while exhibiting at least three stress-related symptoms. Unlike normal anxiety which lasts for a limited time, GAD is significantly prolonged.

Over 3% of the US population suffers from it, with more women experiencing GAD than men. The condition begins gradually and is believed to have multifactorial causes,  including biological, family, and stressful life experiences.

Symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Feeling tense
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Palpitations
• Irritability
• Digestive issues
• Low mood or depression
• Lightheadedness

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, loss of focus or concentration, or sleeplessness after a traumatic event linger intensely for extended periods, it could be a case of post-traumatic stress disorder.  According to the National Center for PTSD, 6% of the global population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. PTSD has far-reaching effects, including the inability to carry out responsibilities at work, at home, or in society. 

Displaced individuals who witnessed a natural disaster or experienced violence may show signs of PTSD and require support to help them cope and recover. 

Symptoms: 

• Feeling tense or on edge
• Easily startled
• Flashbacks or recurring memories
• Distressing thoughts
• Avoidance of reminders of the experience
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Outbursts of irritability
• Reckless or destructive behavior

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by frequent, sudden, and uncontrollable feelings of fear or distress even without a clear threat or trigger. Victims feel an overwhelming and unfounded fear of doom or death. There is no clear cause for panic disorder but some researchers suggest a sense of “false alarm” that causes the mind and body to switch to survival mode. 

Panic disorder develops when panic attacks become more frequent and sudden. When a victim of a crime or conflict experiences lengthy periods of uncontrollable fear long after being rescued, our team of mental health care workers provides therapy and medication to help them recover and attain emotional stability. 

Symptoms: 

• Sweating
• Chills
• Pounding heart
• Trembling
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Stomach pain or nausea

Burnout Syndrome

Burnout is not categorized as a medical condition but a stress-related occupational phenomenon. It encompasses emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion because of stress caused by work demands. People in certain jobs are more susceptible to burnout such as teachers and healthcare workers. 

Symptoms:

• Feeling drained
• Overwhelmed
• Fatigued
• Negative feelings toward work
• Cynicism
• Reduced motivation
• Reduced efficiency

Depression

A low mood and a loss of interest in daily activities characterize depression.

About 5% of adults globally suffer from it with most of them being women. Many national governments and international agencies consider depression as a major public health concern. 

Documentation illustrates that depression is associated with a range of common chronic medical issues like diabetes mellitus, arthritis, angina, asthma, etc. It is also widely recognized as a contributing factor in suicide.

Symptoms:

• Feelings of continuous sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Lack of interest and motivation
• Irritability and intolerance
• Difficulty making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts, self-harm
• Social withdrawal
• Neglecting one’s needs
• Lack of energy
• Low sex drive
• Difficulty sleeping
• Aches and pains
• Changes in appetite
• Constipation
• Speaking or moving more slowly than usual

Common Causes of Stress-Related Disorders

Some of the most common contributors of stress-related disorders include:

• Trauma
• Work pressure, a toxic work environment
• High expectations from oneself, a fear of failure
• A feeling of powerlessness 
• Family issues
• Sleep deprivation
• Social isolation
• Injustice
• Global events

Stress Management and Treatment

Aside from emergency healthcare assistance, IMANA identifies and supports those with mental health symptoms. We aid them with stress management through our network of mental health professionals, webinars, programs, and volunteers on the ground.

We also educate them on stress management techniques like:

Mindfulness

IMANA encourages people with stress-related disorders to engage in activities that give them solace and comfort like art, music, journaling, meditation, etc. 

Therapy

We give them access to therapies that suit their needs like cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and more through our network of mental health experts.  

Counselling

We listen to patients and provide them with professional counseling services based on their symptoms. 

Help Others Heal 

Victims of calamities and conflicts experience different degrees of stress, with many showing signs of stress-related disorders. IMANA recognizes that their path to healing requires physical, mental, and spiritual care. 

Join us as we help displaced communities experience a better quality of life by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.