Doctor Reveals No. 1 Sign Your Stress Is Becoming a Chronic Condition
Medical experts warn that chronic stress can be identified when it begins to interfere with daily life, such as causing the cancellation of social plans or a loss of joy in routine activities. Understanding the body's fight-or-flight response is key to managing stress before it leads to long-term health issues.
Why it matters
Recognizing the signs of chronic stress is essential for public health, as prolonged stress is linked to various physical and mental health complications.
Stress is a normal part of life, from challenges at work to juggling professional and family responsibilities to finances. While we can’t control what life throws at us in a given day, we can control how we respond to it, especially if we’re willing to change our habits and learn effective coping tools. When you’re in the thick of a difficult period, it can be hard to know if your stress levels are normal or so high they could lead to health concerns down the line. Stress that doesn’t abate and lasts a long time is known as chronic, and it’s important to try to prevent this for your long-term wellbeing, Dr. Akshay Syal, an internal medicine physician and journalist with NBC News, tells TODAY.com.
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