Definition of stress:

• The term "stress" is difficult to define and may mean different things to different people in divergent circumstances.

• The oldest definition is that of Hans Selye who defined stress as the "non-specific (i.e. common) result of any demand on the body, whether the effect be mental or somatic".

Stress alarms:

• Can’t cope, can't concentrate, feel hopeless, helpless, depressed.
• Always tired.
• Often irritable and angry. Can't control temper.
• Eat too much or too little. Eat too many fats, too much salt and sugar.
• Have trouble sleeping. Don't get enough sleep, or sleep too much and still feel tired.
• Smoking in excess. More than normal intake of alcohol, caffeine or drugs.
• Have frequent headaches, backaches, and stomachaches.
• No time to talk to friends and family.
• Cut back on exercises.
• Family tensions run higher than usual.
• Not interested in sex.
• Always sick lately. Get cough and colds and other viral infections more often than used to.
• Allergies and skin rashes.
• Disinterested in life, in general

Symptoms:

• Physical symptoms

• Emotional symptoms

• Relational symptoms

Physical symptoms:

• Sleep Disturbances

• Back, Shoulder Or Neck Pain

• Tension Or Migraine Headaches

• GI Tract problems i.e. Upset Or Acid Stomach, Cramps, Heartburn, Gas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Constipation, Diarrhea Weight Gain Or Loss, Eating Disorders

• Muscular problems

• Muscle Tension,

• Fatigue,

• Periodontal disease, jaw pain.

• Cardiovascular Problems

• High Blood Pressure

• Irregular Heartbeat, Palpitations

• Chest Pain

• Respiratory System

• Asthma Or Shortness of Breath

• Sweaty Palms Or Hands

• Cold Hands Or Feet

• Skin Problems (Hives, Eczema, Psoriasis, Tics, Itching) Hair Loss

• Reproductive Problems

• Immune System Suppression: More Colds, Flu, Infections

• Growth Inhibition

Emotional symptoms

• Nervousness, Anxiety

• Depression, Moodiness

• Irritability, Frustration

• Memory Problems

• Lack of Concentration

• Trouble Thinking Clearly

• Feeling out of Control

• Substance Abuse

• Phobias

• Overreactions

Relational symptoms:

• Increased Arguments

• Isolation From Social Activities

• Conflict With Co-workers Or Employers

• Frequent Job Changes

• Road Rage

• Domestic Or Workplace Violence

• Overreactions

Nidana – Etiology of Stress

The main Doshas of the Manas are Raja and Tama (Cha. Su. 1/57), Hence the Nidana, which vitiate Raja and Tama may be considered as etiological factors of Stress. Following three factors are responsible for the all physical and mental diseases (Cha. Su. 1/54 & 11/37).

1. Pragnaparadha

2. Parinama

3. Asatmendriyarthasamyoga

1. Pragnaparadha:

Charaka mentions that Dhivibhramsha (impairment of intellect), Dritivibhramsha (impairment of will) and Smritivibhramsha (impairment of memory) are the main causative factors of the mental disorders, which lead to evil Karmas; this stage is defined as a Pragnaparadha. It causes various types of physical and mental disorders i.e. Kama, Krodha, Bhaya, Moha, Shoka, Udvega, etc. (Cha. Sha. 1/102 & 108).

The evil acts caused by Pragnaparadha leads to the vitiation of physical and mental Doshas, which are as follows:

· Forcible stimulation of natural urges and suppression of the manifested ones.

· Exhibition of undue strength.

· Over indulgence in sexual act.

· Negligence of the time of treatment.

· Initiation of action in improper time.

· Loss of modesty and good conduct.

· Disrespect for respectable persons.

· Enjoyment of harmful objects.

· Resorting to the factors, which are responsible for the causation of Unmada.

· Movement without any regard for temporal or local propriety.

· Friendship with person which in evil actions.

· Avoidance of the healthy activities i.e. Sadvrita. (Cha. Sha. 1/102 – 106)

These evil actions can be included in Maanas Nidana, which lead to many types of mental disorders like Stress.

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