Stress response can trigger physical problems

Q: My daughter is in nursing school, and she’s overwhelmed by her schedule of studying and working in the lab. She recently developed a rash and complains of being tired all the time. She needs to finish school, so what should she do? — Carmen M., Boise, Idaho

A: A nursing major is very demanding; most graduate programs are. The key to reducing excessive stress in a highly stressful environment is learning a stress management technique that works for you and organizing your time. Schedule down time, stress management time, fun time and sleep time in addition to study and work time, as effectively as possible.

Failing to do so can put your mental and physical health at risk. It also can trigger immune system dysfunction. A recent 10-year Swedish study found that stress disorders have been linked to a 45 percent increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.

A persistent stress response can trigger such physical problems because it causes constantly elevated levels of your stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline boosts energy and heart rate; cortisol increases glucose levels, while altering the immune system to suppress nonessential bodily functions, such as hunger, reproduction (yup, stress is a sex killer) and growth.

Your daughter’s rash and unrelenting fatigue could be passing signs of being burnt out, but they also may signal something more serious, such as an autoimmune disease. She needs to see her doctor for a complete physical. And talk to her about finding time to meditate daily (10 minutes in the morning and/or at night), to walk to and from work or during lunch, to schedule phone calls or visits with friends. Altering her response to stress with these techniques will help make sure it doesn’t take such a toll on her body or her mind.