Medical problems such as asthma and hypertension can be associated with the long-term stress response. These illnesses may be caused or worsened by chronic stress. Psychological disorders associated with stress range from mild anxiety or depression to a complete inability to cope on a daily basis. Allowing stress to accumulate can cause outbursts of anger or violent behavior. Stress-related traffic accidents often occur after an explosive argument, tension at work, fatigue, or too much alcohol.
Heavy smokers are more likely to develop stress even though most claim they smoke to relax.
Addiction to alcohol or other drugs can produce stressful reactions. We all react to environmental factors differently, depending on our personalities and backgrounds. Distancing ourselves from the situation and not expending unnecessary energy allows us to be less sensitive to events beyond our control. This also means letting go of our ego and not allowing our emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear overtake our judgment. Putting things into perspective and being realistic about the situation is the only was to gain true perspective.