Physical stress and the impact on the human body has been well documented in the scientific, medical, and psychiatric literature for a long time. Even low level stress is shown to have an impact on the human body, let alone when people approach the point of burnout. Even in our animal cousins the effects of social isolation, stress, and anxiety have been shown to have a profound effect on behaviour.
As a physio and business owner we witness the impact of stress and burnout on the body regularly. At times a client’s injury has felt like the last straw. Especially when it has limited their ability to do physical activity. Even the nature of ongoing pain on its own tends to wear you down.
The human condition is “anti-fragile” in that through adversity we become stronger – however, there is a tipping point on that very delicately balanced scale. Once the stress or challenge becomes too much to challenge then the body instead goes into fight or flight response. Instead of being able to rest, recover, and reset – and in doing so become stronger and more resilient, our immune system kicks in. This could be from stress due to work, relationships, or lacking that feeling of purpose. It could be the physical pain associated with injury. It could be the impact of that injury on being able to do what you love. Perhaps your position on the sports team is now vulnerable, taking away a part of your identity. Even the challenges of parenting can tip the scale – that feeling of failure that every parent has experienced.
In any of these scenarios the impact on your health and wellbeing is significant. Physical health can decline with either increased or decreased weight, raised blood pressure, headaches or gastrointestinal issues. Recovery from illness or injury becomes more challenging. The impact on mood, emotional, and mental health is also significant.
So how do we recognise if we are tipping the scale too far into a stressful state? How do we see that in others? If we take our eyes off that device, computer screen, or tablet long enough it can sometimes just be sensed. For us on occasion a physio consult turns into an overall holistic wellbeing ‘check-in’. In the work setting a colleague could appear just a bit ‘flat’.
The solution? As always, ask that crucial question – “you ok mate?”. Followed up with, “no, but are you really ok?”.
As a social species, it is crucial that we have connection in order to get through the hard times. It is only through direct human connection that we can start climbing back out. Not over the phone, not a text, Facetime or Zoom or an online support group. All those mediums can be useful but the true magic happens when we meet in person. That is when the social-connecting hormone oxytocin is released. Be it a coffee or beer with a friend, family member, or partner. Then being brave enough to admit that things aren’t ok.
If this is you, then reach out because there are people in your life that will happily be there for you. If you think someone you know may be hitting that wall, then send them a message and go out for a coffee.
Our species survived and indeed thrived – through social connection.
Nb. Written as Health columnist for the Hibiscus Matters.
