Stress sets off an alarm system in the body, and its 'fight or flight' mechanism starts to function. When this happens, hormones such as adrenalin are released. These hormones normally help the body adjust to sudden stress. When a person becomes angry or frightened, the adrenal glands release large amounts of adrenalin into the bloodstream. Adrenalin increases the strength and rate of the heartbeat and raises blood pressure. Breathing rate will also increase to cope with the increased demand. The 'fight or flight' response also shuts down the digestive system, in order to provide the increased resources required to actually fight or run away. When the digestive system isn't functioning properly, a person becomes malnourished.
Long term, continual stress, where the 'fight or flight' response is triggered weakens the immune system, decreasing the body's ability to ward off illness.
Under stress, the body burns more energy which will be followed by a period of severe fatigue, which can be made worse because of lack of sleep. When fatigued a person may typically lack the energy to perform most of their desired daily activities. Other common symptoms include pain in the muscles and joints, headache, mental confusion, depression, anxiety and irritability.
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