“People are disturbed not by a thing, but by their perception of a thing.” — Epictetus
Stress is ubiquitous and follows us everywhere. Since there is simply no avoiding it, the task for mental health professionals has become to further their understanding to improve management with their patients and in ourselves.
According to the American Institute of Stress: There has been “no definition” of stress that everyone accepts. Therefore, it’s difficult to measure stress if there is no agreement on what the definition of stress should be. People have very different ideas with respect to their definition of stress. Probably the most common is, “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension”. Another popular definition of stress is, “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” [1]
Most people consider the definition of stress to be something that causes distress. However, stress is not always harmful since increased stress results in increased productivity. A definition of stress should also embrace this type of healthy stress, which is usually ignored when you ask someone about their definition of stress. [1]
Any definition of stress should also include good stress, or eustress. For example, winning a race or election is just as stressful as losing, or more so. Any definition of stress should similarly explain the difference between eustress and distress. [1]
The definition of stress for most people tends to focus on the negative feelings and emotions it produces. Almost every definition of stress also discusses certain resultant physical, physiological or biochemical responses that are experienced or observed. [1]
A very comprehensive definition of stress that includes these and more is the biopsychosocial model, which, as its name suggests, has three components. This definition of stress distinguishes between an external element, another that is internal, as well as a third that represents the interaction between these two factors. [1]
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Acute Stress: “Fight or flight” response. The body prepares to defend itself. It takes about 90 minutes for the metabolism to return to normal when the response is over. |
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Chronic Stress: The cost of daily living: bills, kids, jobs…This is the stress we tend to ignore or push down. Left uncontrolled this stress affects your health- your body and your immune system. |
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Eustress: Stress in daily life that has positive connotations such as: Marriage, Promotion, Baby, Winning Money, New Friends, Graduation |
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Distress: Stress in daily life that has negative connotations such as: Divorce, Punishment, Injury, Negative feelings, Financial Problems, Work Difficulties |
***To learn more about Stress, the body's response to it and its Effects: Click Here***
In conclusion, Stress is stimuli from the environment which have specific effects on various biological processes in the body. The body’s physiological and emotional response to these stimuli will determine the outcome, or how the stress impacts our health and nutritional status. It is known that stress involves every system and organ in the body, particularly the adrenal glands, nervous system, and endocrine system. Stress, whether positive (i.e. exercise) or negative (i.e. death of a loved one), can have a significant impact on a person’s health and nutritional status. Some effective strategies for reducing stress responses include [2]: 
If you’re feeling depressed, out of energy and anxious in your daily life to the level of at times is out of control-these symptoms may all be caused (or amplified) by a poor diet and nutritional intake. Being deficient in certain minerals and vitamins can affect your psychical and mental energy, your body’s health along with the biochemical balance in your brain, resulting in anxiety or increasing the levels you’re currently experiencing.
B-vitamins are needed for the production of hormones involved in the stress response, as well as many other biochemical and physiological processes that involve stress. Your body may become depleted of essential B-vitamins and vitamin C during times of stress. It is important to replenish and or maintain optimal levels of these nutrients so the body can better “handle” stress and limit the potentially damaging physical and emotional effects stress may have on the body.†
These approaches have important benefits for physical and mental health, and form critical building blocks for a healthy lifestyle. If you would like additional support or if you are experiencing extreme or chronic stress, a mental health professional (eg: licensed psychologist) can help you identify the challenges and stressors that affect your daily life and find ways to help you best cope for improving your overall physical and mental well-being. [2]
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s formula contains a synergistic blend of vitamins and minerals as well as supportive, calming herbs to support you during times of stress. Stress is a major “nutrient drainer”. Stress creates greater physiologic demands. More energy, oxygen, circulation, and therefore more metabolic cofactors are needed (eg, vitamins and minerals). The irony of stress is that people suffering stress need a more nutritionally dense diet but often opt for comfort foods lacking in the necessary nutrients, consequently inducing a situation of nutrient depletion that further compromises the metabolic systems. The goal of our formula is to replenish and/or maintain optimal levels of these nutrients [prone to deficiency during times of stress] so the body can better “handle” stress and limit the potentially damaging physical and emotional effects stress may have on the body. †
Features:
- Super Stress Complex Sustained Release provides a full spectrum of B-complex vitamins.
- Provides 600mg of Vitamin C, a key nutrient supporting adrenal function and antioxidant protection.†
- Super Stress formula contains supportive, calming herbs such as Valerian, Hops, and Skullcap.
- Providing a sustained release tablet which allows the slow release of the nutrients over an extended period of time.
- B-vitamins are USP grade, the highest quality available.
Benefits:
- B-vitamins are essential for a healthy stress response. B-vitamins are needed for the normal, healthy functioning of the nervous system; the primary system involved in stress.
- The adrenal glands secrete hormones involved in the stress response, and adrenal function requires several vitamins including pantothenic acid and vitamin C to support a healthy stress response.†
- Immune function may be compromised during times of stress, so nutrients that support immune health (B12, folate, vitamin C) are essential during these times.†
- Most people feel tired when under constant stress, so B-vitamins, which are needed for energy production in the cell help “reenergize” the stressed individual.†
- The combination of “calming” herbs valerian, hops, and skullcap along with the mineral magnesium provide a synergistic effect helping to support the body during times of stress.†
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Boyd, D. (2019, December 18). Daily Life. The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/daily-life
[2] Stress Effects on the Body. (2018, November). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress/effects-endocrine