How Stress Saps Your Health

Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Mental health plays an interesting role in the body’s reaction to stress. While a certain event might produce stress for two individuals, differences in their perception can lead to differences in the resulting stress response. People who have high levels of anxiety tend to experience more stress from an event than other individuals. Similarly, those with emotional or anxiety disorders are more likely to experience a prolonged psychological response. Stress can, in turn, worsen mental conditions like anxiety or depression. In light of this increased depression risk, stress management is a crucial component of health care for people living with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
May 15, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014