Stress and how it is caused

Anxiety, fear and stress play an important role in our survival because they prepare us to face stressful or dangerous situations. They trigger the release of a hormone, (adrenaline) that causes changes both physically and mentally. These changes then prepare us either to cope with a challenge or to escape a dangerous situation (fight-flight reaction). Once the anxiety or the risk is over, these temporary changes recede. If these reactions do not disappear after the risk has passed and the reaction to the psychological pressure is chronic or excessive, then physiological and mood issues can arise. Under severe stress the combined physical and mood issues may result in panic attacks, autoimmune diseases, mood disorders, health problems, etc.