We all experience stress at work and at home. Here are some facts about stress to help us understand and manage it better (sources: helpguide.org., alheizmer.org.uk, mayoclinic.org):
What is Stress?
• Body’s way of responding to perceived threats
• Body releases stress hormones (e.g. adrenaline, cortisol) which cause
• Physical changes in your body (“fight or flight”)
• Equips you to respond to situation (e.g. focused, alert)
• Too much and too long is harmful to your body and mind
Signs of Stress: Cognitive Symptoms
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgement
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious racing thought
• Constant worrying
Signs of Stress: Emotional Symptoms
• Moodiness
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of isolation, loneliness
• Depression or general unhappiness
Signs of Stress: Behavioral and Physical Symptoms
• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating yourself from others
• Using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
Getting Help:
• When experiencing low mood and difficulties with memory, consult your doctor (neurologist) or go to the Brain Wellness Center at Asian Hospital & Medical Center to investigate cause;
• Depression and stress can cause changes in thinking & memory function which can sometimes be mistaken for dementia;
• Neurocognitive screening will help determine whether changes are due to dementia and depression/anxiety/stress;
• Appropriate diagnosis will lead to appropriate intervention.
