Can stress kill?

Although stress doesn?t usually lead directly to a person?s demise, long-term exposure can increase the chances of developing life-threatening conditions. Stress is an influential force that can either fuel someone through a public speaking engagement or make them feel sick to their stomach. When someone experiences stress, the body perceives a threat and responds with the "fight or flight" response. The pituitary gland sends signals throughout the body to increase the amount of hormones released in the bloodstream. In response to these brain signals, the adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones, in turn, help to increase strength, agility, and also speed up reaction time. This happens not only in response to negative stressful situations but also in response to positive situations (more on that later). If the body?s production of these hormones increases more than normal due to sustained stress, that?s when it can negatively impact health. Knowing more about how the body responds to chronic stress, some self-care strategies, and who to reach out to for support are all key factors to be aware of in order to minimize any negative health impacts.