How Can Stress Affect My Health?

Stress is associated with the "fight or flight response" and consequent rises in the levels of stress-related hormones. Growing evidence suggests that these hormonal changes may contribute to both physical and psychological health problems. It is thought to be a factor in various diseases, including heart disease, ulcers and other digestive disorders, psychological problems, asthma, high blood pressure, migraine, arthritis and diseases affecting the immune system and the body's ability to fight infections.

People under significant stress are also at high risk of alcohol or drug abuse, overeating and smoking, other potentially self-destructive behavior, depression and other mental illness.