Impact of Stress on Health: Understanding Long-Term Effects

Did you know that although stress is a natural reaction to the challenges life throws our way, when it becomes chronic, it can take a serious toll on both our body and mind. The effects are often subtle at first, but over time, the consequences can be severe.

Physical Health: The Hidden Dangers

Chronic stress triggers a variety of physical health problems. When we experience stress, our body enters the “flight, fight, freeze or fawn” mode, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are designed to help us deal with immediate threats, but when stress becomes prolonged, they can wreak havoc on our bodies.

1. Cardiovascular Issues: elevated BP, increased heart rate, and a higher risk of heart disease or stroke

2. Weakened Immune System: suppresses the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections

3. Digestive Problems: conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and general stomach discomfort

4. Chronic Pain and Muscle Tension: muscle tension, which can lead to headaches, neck pain or back issues

Mental and Emotional Health: A Strain on the Mind

The emotional and psychological toll of stress can be equally significant. Long-term stress can contribute to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, which further exacerbate the overall burden of stress on your life.

1. Anxiety and Panic Attacks: persistent stress can create feelings of anxiety, often leading to panic attacks, irrational fears, and an overwhelming sense of worry

2. Depression: feelings of helplessness, sadness, and hopelessness may set in, making it challenging to stay motivated or optimistic about the future

3. Cognitive Functioning: impairs your ability to concentrate and think clearly. It can also affect decision-making and problem-solving abilities, impacting work performance and relationships

The good news is that stress is manageable with self-care stress management techniques. So, if you are feeling the weight of stress on your health, don’t wait to take action.

Research: Effects of chronic stress on hippocampal long-term potentiation

Rosanna Commisso - Founder, StressCare Solutions

Championing Workplace Wellbeing | Mental Health & Trauma Advocate

As the Founder of StressCare Solutions, my passion for helping organisations navigate the growing challenge of stress and trauma in the workplace, is personal.

With over 30-years’ experience spanning health, training and community services, and my own lived experience with mental health, burnout and trauma—I bring both professional insight and ‘lived experience’ understanding to my work.

My mission is simple: to empower organisations, and their staff, with the tools they need to recognise, manage, and reduce stress before it leads to burnout, and to implement trauma-informed practices to support their staff.

Through engaging, evidence-based workshops, impactful speaking engagements, and trauma-informed workplace support, I help teams build resilience, improve wellbeing, and thrive.

Let’s build healthier workplaces—together.

📩 rosanna@stresscare.com.au | 🌐 www.stresscare.com.au