How Chronic Stress Affects Your Body (Infographic)

Feeling stressed? Here are a few ways chronic stress affects different areas of your body:

Brain

Chronic stress can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression, in addition to triggering headaches and migraines.¹

Heart

Stress can lead to higher cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.²

Liver

Chronic stress can affect the release of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which can increase blood glucose levels and lead to type 2 diabetes.³

Digestive system

Stress can cause digestive issues, including frequent stomachaches, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach ulcers, and weight loss or gain.⁴

Immune system

Stress can decrease your immune system’s function and increase your risk of getting sick.⁵

Skin

The response to stress can cause acne breakouts, eczema, and psoriasis flare-ups.⁶

Muscles

Stress can strain your muscles and cause chronic pain, especially in your neck, shoulders, and back.⁷ It can even be a cause of fibromyalgia symptoms.⁸

Endocrine system

Chronic stress can cause hormone imbalances and impact your thyroid and cortisol levels. This can result in chronic fatigue.⁹

If you are experiencing the repercussions of chronic stress, your doctor can guide you to resources and help you find ways to manage stress levels.

Related: How to Feel Better When Stress or Anxiety Hits

Resources:

1. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm
   
2. heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health
   
3. dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type2/understanding-type-2-diabetes/how-the-body-processes-sugar/blood-sugar-stress/
   
4. apa.org/helpcenter/stress/effects-gastrointestinal#:~:text=It%20can%20affect%20how%20quickly,to%20nutrient%20absorption%20may%20increase
   
5. apa.org/research/action/immune
   
6. webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin
   
7. apa.org/helpcenter/stress/effects-musculoskeletal#:~:text=Female%20Reproductive%20System-,Musculoskeletal%20System,tension%20when%20the%20stress%20passes.
   
8. nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/causes/
   
9. apa.org/helpcenter/stress/effects-endocrine