Stress is a general term for the physical and psychological symptoms people experience when they feel overwhelmed. In stressful situations, levels of the hormones epinephrine and hydrocortisone increase, raising the heart rate and blood pressure and altering the metabolism to improve performance.
However, high levels of these hormones long-term can have a negative effect, producing symptoms such as headaches, sleeping problems, palpitations, eating too much or too little, irritability, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, anxiety, and depression. Stress can often be managed by self-help measures, such as relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and eating healthily.
If such measures are ineffective, treatment options include psychotherapy and medications for specific problems, such as antidepressants or sleeping pills