A study conducted by researchers at University College London found that life events that cause shock and worry can negatively impact a person’s health. The study revealed that chronic stress can disrupt the immune system, nervous system, and hormones, leading to various health issues.
The researchers analyzed blood samples from over 5,000 subjects over the age of 50, using markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, cortisol, and IGF-1 to categorize them into high, moderate or low-risk groups for potential illness.
The study discovered that when the immune system and hormone production work together in harmony, overall health is maintained. However, chronic stress can disrupt this balance and lead to health problems. Previous life situations such as the death of a loved one, divorce, long-term illness or disability were associated with different health risk profiles.
Interestingly, physical disability seemed to reduce the probability of being in the high or moderate-risk groups. Financial worries were particularly harmful likely due to their impact on various aspects of life such as work stress or money worries which may increase anxiety levels and affect sleep patterns thus affecting overall wellbeing. Other stressors like long term illnesses also increased the risk of health problems but not as much as financial worries did.
Experiencing severe stress increased the likelihood of being in a high health risk group while multiple stressors further compounded these risks. Genetic factors did not appear to influence the effects of stress on the body, highlighting the importance of addressing stress and its impacts on health through lifestyle changes such as mindfulness practices or therapy sessions for better mental wellbeing which can ultimately translate into better physical health outcomes.
