Introduction:

A 23year female student was preparing for her upcoming exams in the college library. Suddenly, the student sitting in front of her saw that she was looking anxious, breathing heavily, and rubbing her chest as if in pain. Her friend asked if everything was alright. The girl replied with great difficulty, “I…. can not …breathe… I…. can not …breathe…” She was immediately taken outside in the emergency ward where the doctor asked her if she was having problem in expiration or inspiration. “Inspiration.” she replied. She gave past history of similar episodes, which showed positive correlation with exam schedules. E.C.G, pulmonary function tests, and serological investigations were normal. Asthma was ruled out as the problem was not of expiration. The patient was observed for 24 hours and later referred to a psychiatrist for treatment of panic attacks triggered by stress of examinations.

The above case study is typical example of stress and its effects in the today's youth. Our country needs increased public awareness and education about stress. This will help us to deal with the increasing number of incidents and also compensate for the inadequate infrastructure for its prevention and management.

It is hoped that this paper will give the reader an overview of this emerging health care problem.

Q: What is stress?

A: It's a state of mental or emotional strain or a pathological human response to psychological, social, or environmental pressure.

Current stress related statistics:

• 21st century killer – not just AIDS and cancer but high levels of stress.
• U.S National stats: - 1000 people attempt suicide daily; 70% of high school seniors contemplate suicide daily; 33% of U.S men admit psychiatric treatment
• WHO (1992): Proportion to increase in GNP, heart disease has also increased; In U.S alone, 50% cardiac disease caused by stress; 71% marriages end in divorce within first three years of marriage.
• Over 50% of the US population visits clinical psychologists/ psychiatrist at least once in two years. Stress is diagnosed to be the cause of IB'S low birth weight babies, heart attacks, asthma, migraines.
• In UK 2, 70,000 individuals take time off everyday due to work related stress which costs the country 7 billion pounds.

The Symptoms:

Symptoms of stress can be seen on the Physical, Mental and Behavioral levels:

Physical:

• Rapid shallow breathing and palpitations
• Tight Chest
• Indigestion
• Stomach cramps
• Shoulder, neck and back pain
• Persistent headaches
• Chronic Sinus problems
• Humming in the ears
• Frequent viral infections
• Weight loss or gain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Skin problems
• Tired eyes and visual disturbances
• Stiffness
• Frequent ‘pins and needles'
• Attacks of dizziness
• Disturbed menstrual cycle

Emotional:

• An increase in anxiety and fearfulness
• Becoming easily hurt and upset
• Being tearful
• Feeling irritable
• Having a sense of worthlessness and apathy
• Lacking confidence
• Being confused / overwhelmed
• Feeling a sense of de- personalization, deja-vu
• Being humorless
• Getting over excited

Behavioral:

• Poor concentration, an inability to listen we!
• Forgetfulness
• Over activity, restlessness, talking too much
• Nervous habits such as biting nails
• Inability to make decisions and sort priorities poor planning, reluctance to delegate
• ‘Making mountains out of molehills'
• An increase in phobic fears and obsessions
• Increased consumption of alcohol, nicotine, etc
• Insomnia and nightmares.
• Impotence and loss of Libido
• Unkempt appearance and untidiness
• Loss of control over finances
• Over protectiveness and over cautiousness

Stress is the fuel of anger but you can successfully deal with stress. Instead of being angry remember consistency is the key to mastery