Anxiety is a common psychiatric problem, but it is less detected in late adulthood. Symptoms of subclinical anxiety are even more common than diagnosed anxiety disorders.
Anxiety has a broadly negative impact on the functioning of older adults, it is associated with lower cognitive performance, impaired memory and sleep, and a higher risk of somatic disease. However, developmental risk factors for late-life anxiety are not well understood.
Fast forward to our modern world. Most of us no longer need to hunt and gather to survive. Other “threats” now trigger our stress response, including factors related to things like work, finances, and relationships. Stress can be temporary or it can last long term, affecting your hormones, mood, illness, and all aspects of your health and wellness.
The impact of stress on health can be significant, both physically and emotionally. Consider the following downstream effects of stress:
- Colds, flu, viruses, and other illnesses
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Heart problems or heart attack
- Irritability and anger
- Insomnia or sleep disruptions
- Overeating
- Pain
- Stomach and gastrointestinal problems
- Substance use
- Trouble concentrating
Over time, the effects of stress can build up in your brain and body. This kind of long-term or chronic stress can weaken your immune system, putting you at risk for illnesses — from the simple cold to more serious illnesses.
When you feel stressed, your body creates a hormone called cortisol, which enters the bloodstream.
In the short term, cortisol can help regulate many of your body’s natural functions, including sleep, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar. However, when you suffer from long-term stress, cortisol levels remain high. This contributes to inflammation and a reduction in the white blood cell count, both of which can weaken the immune system.
