Stress is normal, but mental health experts warn unmanaged tension can affect health

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Stress is a normal part of daily life for millions of people in the United States.

Stress is the body's natural reaction to new or challenging situations. Experts say not all stress is bad. Some forms can even be beneficial.

"Eustress is good. We need a little anxiety to get up in the morning. We need a little excitement and anticipation to actually be motivated," said Coraline Robinson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Balance Treatment Center.

However, the problem shifts when it becomes unmanageable and overwhelming. Robinson said people may begin to notice changes in their behavior and emotional well-being when stress becomes unhealthy.

"You aren't enjoying things you used to enjoy. You're not connected with people that you're normally connected with. Those are signs that the stress is becoming problematic and that you need some help," she said.

Prolonged stress can affect both the body and mind. It can lead to increased feelings of anger and frustration, change eating habits, disrupted sleep and worsen existing chronic health conditions.

"Everything from increased pain, increased autoimmune problems, vulnerability to viruses and bacteria. Basically, our systems depend on each other internally, just like they do externally," Robinson said.

Health experts encourage people to let go of things they cannot control and focus on responding to stress in healthier ways. Robinson said reducing reactivity can help people better manage difficult situations.

"How can you remain less reactive and not jump and get startled and get anxious at things that you can't control? So there are strategies to increase your window of tolerance," she said.

Robinson also emphasized the importance of releasing negative emotions rather than holding onto them, noting that coping begins with both the body and the mind.

"It can be exercising, it can be walking. It could be writing about it. It could be taking deep breaths, but there has to be some sort of external release," she said.

If stress continues to feel overwhelming, Robinson recommends checking in with a doctor or therapist for support.

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