Stress:The universal problem

Stress:The universal problem

Stress is rather a difficult word to define, and the difficulty gets a notch higher if we are to describe it in context of a situation. We might have heard many complaining, “I can’t take this stress anymore.” So what exactly does this mean? “In today’s world of growing consumerism and globalisation, fast pace and growing competition, shrinking support networks, expectations from self and others are on the rise. There is less time for recreation, relaxation, or family. All this adds to stress levels. Not all stress is bad. However, when it leads to disturbed biological functions viz. sleep and appetite disturbances, when stress level crosses the capability of a particular individual to effectively cope with it, when stress leads to distress and dysfunction, it becomes morbid,” says Dr Sameer Malhotra, Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Healthcare, Delhi. 

The need and importance of health checks ups especially amongst youngsters

Some doctors in the metros have been reporting a higher trend of heart attacks in young people, especially men in their 20s, 30s and 40s.Young men were found to have high levels of triglycerides. Doctors today advice regular health check ups for youngsters to rule out any possibility of lifestyle related diseases like bop, diabetes or cholesterol.

Higher stress levels in the young resulting in a number of lifestyle disorders
A young boy of 14 or 15 years of age undergoes stress before his exams, a man in his 20s experience stress when he is unable to meet the targets set by his bosses. Stress levels in young has reached unprecedented levels, a phenomenon that doctors believe was not seen 10 or even 5 years ago. Stress levels if not controlled can lead to lifestyle disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiac arrest. Irregular working hours often lead to dietary disturbances. Young people who are exposed to a high-fat diet — common in junk foods or fast-foods — are at risk for high cholesterol. A good dietary regimen coupled with exercise and meditation can keep stress at bay.

On May 13 2015, Odisha’s District Voluntary Force (DVF) constable Narendra Khandapan shot his father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and two others with his service weapon before killing himself. He had a family dispute that caused him the added stress and was in a state of depression.

Coping Meathod

The old adage prevention is better than cure should be strictly adhered to by the young people especially those who are susceptible to lifestyle diseases. A little bit of changes in your daily routine and dietary habits can act as a good preventive measure. For example, eating a balanced meal and going for walks/jogging can help reduce that extra body weight. A good cardio workout under the guidance of a trainer or swimming can earn you a healthy heart. Blood pressure can be controlled through medication or lifestyle changes. The most important part of preventive care is a regular health check up.

Youth is the future of our nation. The future of the nation should lie in healthy hands. On the occasion of National Youth day, adopting a healthy lifestyle should be the solemn promise that every youth should take and adhere to. Healthy living can be achieved with lifestyle changes and more importantly a stoic determination to do so. Going for a regular health check up will help identify people who are at a greater risk of diseases and preventive measures can be adopted before the onset of a disease.