Too much stress can seriously affect physical and mental well being. Stress decreases the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. At some point in their lives, almost all people will go through stressful events or situations that overwhelm their ability to cope. These are a group of hormones that include adrenaline and epinephrine. The rate of breathing also increases and the lungs take in more oxygen.
Blood flow decreases to areas that are less important for basic survival, including the mouth.
This causes dryness of the mouth and difficulty talking and swallowing. Long term stress can lead to physcial or psychologic damage to the body. Chronic stress may develop into more serious problems, such as an anxiety disorder or depression . Mental and physical stress is a trigger for unstable angina , which is chest pain due to not enough oxygen reaching the heart. There is a higher risk for serious heart events, such as heart attacks .