Basic HTML Version
w e l l - b e i n g
which is highly sensitive to stress in
general and chronic stressful condi-
tions, play the most important role in
stressful conditions. Other hormones
have been studied although it has not
been possible so far to determine their
role in this respect.
Besides being good indicators of the
response to stress, cortisol levels are
also associated with their negative
impact on our health. Studies have
been carried out to measure the res-
ponse of cortisol in the morning, right
after waking up, and throughout the
day. The response of cortisol in the
morning is generally associated with
factors responsible for chronic stress
whereas the variations throughout
the day are linked to negative moods
and our perception of stress.
The other hormones that play a role
in occupational stress are adrenali-
ne and noradrenalin. It has been su-
ggested that the characteristics of
a job and cardiovascular pathology
are linked to the levels of cortisol and
adrenaline in our bodies. If the level of
stress control is low, this would give
rise to high levels of adrenaline and
cortisol that could cause damage to
the cardiovascular system.
•
Psychological response to stress:
Probably the most widespread and
the most frequent reason for occu-
pational medicine related visits to the
doctors. It is intimately associated
with our ability to respond to stress
agents and with the recovery process.
It is not always easy to identify the
clinical manifestation of anxiety since
most people believe that this could be
simply a nervous condition, the sen-
sation of unjustified hurry. It is more
complicated. However, to find the link
between anxiety and the somatic ma-
nifestations that it can cause such as
physical symptoms not related to an
organic pathology.
Symptoms such as dizziness, num-
bness in our extremities, unexplained
headaches, physical exhaustion, and
unusually frequent muscle spasms
could be somatic signs of an anxie-
ty syndrome. It will require the final
diagnosis by a physician who should
be careful not to make an erroneous
diagnosis or overlook the psycholo-
gical reasons responsible for these
symptoms.
We should be aware and try to ad-
dress the problem in time in the event
that prolonged anxiety could imply
an undetected depression which, in
turns, feeds the source of anxiety.
When the patient does not fee well, he
could identify his condition with symp-
toms that may seem organic, thinking
that he is suffering from something
serious. This could lead to a vicious
cycle which only makes the condition
worse and even make it more compli-
cated as a result of a depression.
•
Emotional response. The keys for
managing stress:
Can we control
stress? Not only are we able to do
this, but we must do it in order to pre-
vent becoming ill which would only
limit or vital and job capabilities. We
will get back to this point later, since
not all stress is bad. Stress is an or-
ganic response that does not neces-