Why are our young so stressed?

We have reached a point when stress has become a major public health concern. It has become the root cause of several diseases which cannot be overlooked.Â

The health of India’s young, aged 18 to 45, is in the throes of an ever-increasing lifestyle disorder and stress is the culprit.Â

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is a natural response to demands or pressures placed on a person. It can arise from various sources such as work, relationships, financial difficulties, or major life changes.Â

When we undergo stress, it triggers physiological and psychological reactions in the body. These reactions manifest as feelings of tension, worry, or overwhelm.Â

While some levels of stress are normal and even beneficial in motivating action, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.

When we undergo stress, it triggers physiological and psychological reactions in the body. These reactions manifest as feelings of tension, worry, or overwhelm. (Photo: Generative AI by Vani Gupta/IndiaToday)

When stressed, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This triggers the “fight or flight” response. Heart rate and blood pressure increase, muscles tense, and breathing quickens.Â

This response prepares the body to react to perceived threats.Â

When the body reacts in this manner for a prolonged period, it leads to health conditions like high blood pressure and weakens the immune system.Â

A recent report released by Apollo Hospitals revealed that out of 11,000 people, almost 80% of people undergo chronic stress.Â

The report suggested that stress can have a direct link to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes. In fact, it increases the incidence of hypertension and diabetes by 1.3 to 2 times.Â

Another study by one of India’s largest general insurers, ICICI Lombard, suggested that about 77% of Indians displayed at least one symptom of stress, and one in every third Indian was struggling with stress and anxiety.Â

As we dive into how stress changes your appearance physically, we spoke to doctors to understand what is causing all this stress.Â

WHAT ARE WE SO STRESSED ABOUT?

Experts have cited high academic pressure, financial worries and career uncertainty as key markers for chronic stress in young people. Other concerns that are putting them at risk for several diseases are social media and peer pressure and family expectations.Â

“Competition at the academic level has increased. Finding a job and establishing a successful career has brought on this stress. Besides this, comparing oneself to others on social media, fear of missing out (FOMO), and seeking validation from peers are major contributors,” said Dr Arti Anand, clinical psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Shreya Sharma, Clinical Psychologist at HCL Healthcare, added that stress arises when young people “perceive an imbalance between the demands placed upon them and their available personal and social resources.”

STRESS AND THE BODY

When stressed, a person goes into a non-ending cycle of unhealthy cravings and weight gain.Â

Dr Shreevidya said, “Chronic stress isn’t just in our heads. It can seriously affect our bodies too. When the hormone cortisol is released for a long time, it can lead to various adverse effects on the body.”

Cortisol promotes the storage of fat, particularly around the abdomen area, leading to weight gain and potentially obesity.Â

Moreover, stress-induced cortisol release can also contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, increasing the risk of diabetes and hypertension. It also affects sleep, a precursor to several diseases.

India has the largest population of diabetes with over 100 million affected by this condition.

“The constant activation of the body’s stress response system can also lead to chronic inflammation and dysregulation of the cardiovascular system, contributing to hypertension,” added Dr Shreevidya.Â

The reason why you gain weight is because of “emotional eating or overeating.”Â

“People begin eating foods high in sugar because of high stress. Since the body’s metabolism is weakened, this increases fat storage and hormonal issues,” said Dr Anand.Â

Chronic stress also raises blood pressure by activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing stress hormone levels, contributing to hypertension over time, said psychologist Shreya Sharma.Â

WOMEN AND STRESS

According to the 2024 Apollo Hospitals report, women are more susceptible to stress. Commenting on this, Dr Anand highlighted a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

According to the 2024 Apollo Hospitals report, women are more susceptible to stress. (Photo: Generative AI by Vani Gupta/India Today)

“Female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can influence the stress response. Studies have shown that fluctuations in these hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how women respond to stress and may contribute to increased susceptibility to chronic stress,” she said.Â

Research has indicated that men and women may have different patterns of brain activity in response to stress.Â

Dr Shreevidya pointed out that women face stressors related to experiences of discrimination, gender-based violence, societal expectations and unequal access to resources and opportunities.Â

“The hormone which protects women from cardiac diseases fails to extend its protection when there is prediabetes and high blood pressure in the periphery,” she said.Â

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

“Somewhere the cycle has to be broken,” said Dr Shreevidya. “Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients are essential strategies for combating stress.”Â

Research has indicated that men and women may have different patterns of brain activity in response to stress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Exercise releases endorphins, enhancing mood and well-being, while certain foods, like those high in omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce stress hormone production.

Dr Anand said that seeking support when needed is a stepping stone to lower stress. Besides this, music-aided medication is another good tool to combat stress and anxiety.

More importantly, cultivating strong connections with friends and family provides crucial emotional support and resilience against stress, the experts said.

The bottom line is that if we want to get a place where India’s young population is healthy, we need to start with stress.

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