stress, anxiety and depression

Question 1

define stress

Answer 1

stress is a result of brain chemicals called hormones surging through the body, that can cause people to sweat, breathe quicker so they can take action.

Question 2

define anxiety

Answer 2

anxiety is when someone may feel anxious most of the time or have brief intense episodes that can occur for no apparent reason. This can make them unable to do daily activities or routines and cause anxiety/panic attacks.

Question 3

define depression

Answer 3

A constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which prevents someone from doing everyday activities.

Question 4

what are the effects of stress/anxiety/depression on the cardiovascular system

Answer 4

• adrenaline causes rapid heart rate, so more prone to heart attacks and cardiac arrest.
• more likely to turn to unhealthy behaviours that affect the cardiovascular system, such as smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy eating.
  -increased blood pressure
  -increased chance of stroke
  -increased inflammation and damaging the arteries, causing blood clots.
  -irregular heart rhythm.
  -increased risk of heart disease and coronary disease.

Question 5

what are the effects of stress/anxity/depression on the urinary system

Answer 5

-stress causes abdomen muscles to tighten, leading to increased urge to urinate.
- more frequent urinating
- overactive bladder
- urinary incontinence.

Question 6

what are the effects of stress/anxiety/depression on the respiratory system?

Answer 6

• high levels of wheezing and breathlessness
• increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• anxiety causes flare ups and inflammation in lungs.
• more prone to asthma attacks and makes asthma worse
• hyperventilation
• body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which causes high heart rate and rapid breathing.
• constrict blood vessel and decrease oxygen levels.

Question 7

what are the effects of stress/anxiety/depression on the immune system?

Answer 7

• weaken the immune system
• decrease amount of lymphocytes/ white blood cells, so more at risk of infections and viruses.
• stress produces cortisol, which boosts immunity short time however the body gets used to it and then becomes more vulnerable to inflammation.