Stress: The Mother of All Diseases by Dr. Sana Akhtar Lalayka

Undoubtedly, stress, often called the “silent killer,” is the mother of all diseases. In the contemporary era, no one can deny that stress is a significant mental health issue, yet society struggles to acknowledge and address it effectively.

The Nature of Stress

Stress is not merely an emotional or psychological state but a substantial contributor to various physical and mental health problems. It is a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, triggering the fight or flight response and releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in the body. While these hormones can be beneficial in the short term, excessive amounts lead to detrimental effects on both body and mind.

Types of Stress

Stress can be classified into two types: acute and chronic.

• Acute Stress: Refers to short-term stress arising from specific events.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term stress resulting from ongoing situations such as marital issues or financial difficulties. Chronic stress is far more harmful and can lead to severe health problems.

The Impact of Stress on the Body

Stress, the mother of all diseases, impacts not just the brain but the entire physiology of the body. It affects the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, and psychological systems, demonstrating a comprehensive and negative impact on almost all bodily systems.

Prolonged Stress and Its Effects

The human body is not designed to handle prolonged stress. When faced with a stress-inducing situation, the body initiates a fight or flight response. Acute stress may lead to a flight response, while chronic stress results in a fight response, meaning the organs are struggling to cope with the stress. This prolonged stress can slow down bodily processes, leading to detrimental effects and deteriorating health.

Stress and Obesity

One significant effect of stress observed in recent years is obesity. Stress slows down major body systems, including the gastrointestinal system. When the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly, food is not distributed or absorbed efficiently, leading to fat deposition.

Mental Health and Social Stigma

Stress is essentially a mental game; those who embrace and overcome it can avoid various physical and mental difficulties. The rising demand for mental health professionals reflects the increasing prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in society.

Mental Health in Conservative Societies

In conservative societies, such as Pakistan, mental health issues are often stigmatized. Stress is labeled as a negative trait, deteriorating an individual’s personality and character. According to labeling theory, the tags or names we assign individuals influence their behavior. Unfortunately, in Pakistani society, mental health issues are often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to an increased suicide rate as people hesitate to seek professional help due to societal judgments.

Misconceptions About Religion and Mental Health

Additionally, some in Pakistani society link mental health problems to religious beliefs, suggesting that distance from religion causes mental health issues. This notion is theoretically flawed; mental health problems are not caused by one’s proximity to religious practices. While spiritual practices can offer positive energy, they are not the sole solution for mental health issues.

Solutions for Managing Stress

Addressing stress, the mother of all diseases, involves foundational solutions:

• Willpower: Strength of willpower can help individuals overcome stress. While it is easier said than done, personal effort and counseling can assist in managing stress.
• Positive Thinking and Manifestation: Manifestation and the attraction of positive energy can help individuals achieve their goals and improve mental well-being.

Stress is the new “Mother of all diseases,” surpassing constipation, which was once considered a major health issue. Happiness is not a choice but comes with changing situations and achieving goals. The road to overcoming stress is long and challenging, but it is worth the effort. True wellness requires a strong mind and a willingness to change.

Writer: Dr. Sana Akhtar Lalayka