Onset of exhaustion
Too much stress? You should watch out for these alarm signals
Thoughts circle and do not come to rest: Those who can no longer relax properly may already be in a spiral of stress
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Short-term stress trims us to perform at our best. However, if the pressure no longer breaks, the body will eventually rebel. Then it is important to pay attention to the warning signs – to prevent worse.
The buzzing in the ear starts without warning. From one second to the next it is there. Tinnitus is usually perceived differently by those affected: Some report ringing or whistling in their ears, while others perceive the noise more as throbbing or cracking – as if someone were sitting next to them and cracking their fingers. Every third adult struggles with the noise in their ears at least once in their lifetime. With some it only beeps for a few days, others hear the beeping for weeks. But they have one thing in common: Those who develop tinnitus usually had to struggle with stress beforehand.
Tinnitus is a symptom of a whole range of problems that can be caused by prolonged overload. Not all stress is the same. It doesn’t always do any harm, in fact it can be quite useful – before exams, for example. In such situations, the body releases the messenger substances adrenaline and cortisol. This helps to mobilize the body’s reserves of strength and makes you more efficient. If the stress only lasts for a short time, healthy people can usually cope with it. It only becomes problematic if the pressure does not tear off for a long period of time – exam after exam, the house blessing has been hanging crooked for weeks or overtime is postponed every day. Then stress can become chronic and put a strain on the body and soul – especially if it seems pointless to us, we feel powerless and have the feeling that we have to cope with everything on our own.
Tinnitus can attach itself like a burdock, and sometimes it is difficult to get rid of. What exactly causes the noise in the ear has not yet been finally clarified. Doctors suspect that the inner ear is less supplied with blood under stress, which reduces the supply of oxygen and could lead to the noise. If the tinnitus is acute, those affected are usually given infusions to stop the annoying whistling. They increase the amount of fluid in the blood, expand the blood vessels and are supposed to improve the blood flow to the inner ear. If the doctor cannot find an organic cause for the noise, further therapy is: stress reduction.
In the beginning there is exhaustion
Tinnitus is arguably the most unpleasant of all possible stress symptoms. But stress is also more subtle, and the symptoms gradually creep into everyday life. Most of those affected initially struggle with the onset of exhaustion. In addition, there are sleep disorders: If you sleep poorly, wake up at night and brood over problems in everyday life, you should at some point pull the emergency brake. Eating behavior can also change: those suffering from stress eat more than is good for them – or hardly at all. They often take refuge in supposed relaxation drugs such as alcohol or cigarettes, but neglect everything that would actually bring relaxation: sports, for example, or game evenings with friends.
Physical symptoms increase over time. Those affected catch colds more quickly than usual, they develop high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat or ringing in the ears. Many lose interest in sex, have mood swings and are no longer as productive as they used to be. For some people, stress affects their stomachs: they have stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation. Others report back pain, tension headaches or even migraines. At least now, measures should be taken to lower the stress level – otherwise there is a risk of collapse or burnout. A doctor will help classify physical symptoms and rule out any illnesses. He can also give tips on how relaxation can become an integral part of everyday life again.
Break the spiral of stress
In any case, it is important to reduce the stress level. Discussions with superiors can be helpful in making everyday working life more pleasant. Exercise has also proven to be a tried and tested means of counteracting too much tension. Light endurance sports such as swimming, jogging and yoga are ideal. Those who do not like to do sports alone can register in clubs. Contact with other people creates additional distraction from thoughts that only revolve around everyday problems or the job. Joint excursions with your partner or friends help to bring more variety into everyday life and ensure relaxation.
It is quite possible that the stress symptoms will then go away on their own – just as they came: quickly and without warning.