Stress, often described as America’s number one health problem, has become so prevalent in American culture that many health professionals argue that we are currently in the throes of a “stress epidemic.” Despite this increasing awareness, definitions of stress are sometimes ambiguous. The term is simultaneously used to describe the external stimulation that causes strain on the system, the resulting internal damage and the rate of this damage. There are also different types of stress, including acute stress (short term), episodic acute stress (frequent acute stress) and chronic stress (long term). Symptoms of high stress include emotional distress (anger, irritability, anxiety and depression), insomnia, substance abuse, headaches, muscular problems, stomach and bowel problems, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, cold hands or feet and dizziness. Over the long term, stress has been associated (directly or indirectly) with a number of serious conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, accidental injuries and suicide. Stress also aggravates many preexisting health problems.

Researchers have attempted to pinpoint exact causes of stress, but this has proven difficult since all individuals have varied levels of tolerance. A stressful event that exhausts one person may actually invigorate another. American culture has often been associated with high-stress lifestyles due to efforts to attain the “American dream,” but researchers argue that this dream may quickly turn into a nightmare if high-stress warning signals (including those mentioned above) are not addressed. One measure used to determine stress levels is the Holmes-Rahe scale. In the 1950s, psychiatrist Thomas Holmes and psychologist Richard Rahe tried to determine causes of stress by asking 5,000 people to rate the amount of stress associated with various “life-change events.” The top five most stressful events in the scale include death of a spouse, divorce, marital separation, imprisonment and death of a close family member. Other researchers have argued that the everyday hassles of life (such as rushing to meet deadlines, waiting in traffic, excessive paperwork, etc.) actually contribute more to illness than major life changes. The truth is probably somewhere in between. In either case, it is important to note the “ripple effect”: very often, one highly stressful event—such as the end of a significant relationship—may gradually spiral out of control and lead to problems in many areas of life.

As a result of the increasing awareness of the problems associated with stress, more Americans are becoming interested in various forms of stress management. Researchers have discovered that many techniques used to promote relaxation have consistently high success rates. Meditation in particular has been strongly correlated with a reduction in stress-related disorders. Muscle relaxation, music therapy, biofeedback, rhythmic breathing, proper nutrition and regular exercise are all highly effective methods of managing stress. A strong, trustworthy support system and the commitment to maintaining a balanced lifestyle are also crucial elements of any stress-management program.