Is Tension a Disease?
We are living in an era with numerous conveniences aimed at making life easier and stress-free. When compared to the past, there's no doubt that life today is less burdened by poverty and is generally simpler. However, people today experience more mental stress and pressure than before. Why is this happening? What causes tension?
Is Tension a Disease?
Experiencing mental stress while going through a difficult situation is a natural phenomenon. However, when this stress begins to affect our daily lives to a significant extent, it should be considered a disorder.
What Causes Tension?
Reason One:
Scientifically, there are two main causes of tension. The first is the problems that arise from the social and economic circumstances we live in. These issues vary for each individual. How each person faces problems also differs. What might seem like a major problem to one person may not be perceived the same way by someone else. The way we view a problem is what truly matters.
The reasons for tension vary across different age groups. Economic and family problems are common among older individuals. Parents who become isolated in old age, those who have experienced broken family relationships, wives who don't receive the attention and love of their husbands, children who don't receive attention and love from their parents, workers who fail to meet their set targets — these are just a few of the many sources of tension seen in daily life. Everyone has their own personal issues that cause tension.
Tension in Children
Children today are not free from tension. When the family environment lacks peace, children become victims of mental stress. Unfortunately, there is a harmful competitive mentality among schoolchildren today. In the past, parents used to force children to secure the first position, which caused significant stress. However, due to continuous awareness efforts, this situation has changed somewhat, but today children are getting trapped in the pressure of their own ego.
The thought that they cannot meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, and friends weakens them. If they score even one mark less than their friends, they are haunted by the dangerous thought that they have become second-rate.
During exams and when results are announced, this stress manifests as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, body aches, stomach pain, and other physical symptoms. In rare cases, this pressure can even lead to seizures or loss of consciousness, causing confusion among parents. Recognizing and addressing this mental state in children is the responsibility of both parents and teachers.
Unfortunately, today no one seems to be paying attention to such issues. Sometimes, children experience mental stress because they don't have the same physical appearance or body development as other children. Parents often make remarks like "My child is not big enough" or "He/She is not fat enough," which can create feelings of inadequacy and lead to mental issues in children. When the attention and consideration that were previously given to a child start shifting towards a sibling, it can lead to serious psychological problems in younger children. A little attention from parents in such matters can easily resolve many issues in children.
Reason Two:
The second reason for tension is the imbalance in certain chemicals in our body. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and similar substances play a major role in this. Changes in the levels of these chemicals can trap the human mind in tension. In fact, both of the reasons — external pressures and the internal chemical imbalances — are responsible for tension becoming a disorder. This explains why two people living in the same situation may experience tension to different degrees.
A detailed analysis of tension sufferers often reveals that many people have psychological stress caused by specific issues. However, some individuals may not exhibit any particular problems, and their issues arise solely from chemical imbalances in the body, even in the absence of external pressures.
Diseases Caused by Mental Stress:
Diseases Caused by Mental Stress
The main diseases caused by mental stress include Anxiety Neurosis, Somatization Disorders, Panic Attacks, and Depression.
When going for an exam, presenting at a large event, or having a superior evaluate our work, we all experience anxiety. This is a natural phenomenon. However, when a person is unable to overcome this state, it becomes a disorder that requires treatment. Symptoms of anxiety neurosis include fatigue, dizziness, increased heart rate, trembling of hands and legs, etc. Panic attack is an extreme form of anxiety. In such cases, some people may experience dizziness and fainting, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and even loss of consciousness. This can be very distressing for the individual.
Case Study
A young man who worked at a sawmill suffered from a panic attack that completely disrupted his life. After some time, he began experiencing dizziness, chest pain, headaches, and body weakness. However, he had no issues when staying at home, and eventually, he became unable to return to work. The mill owner told him that he could only return to work after recovering. In the meantime, with no income, he started doing household chores, including cooking. Despite undergoing numerous tests, no physical issues were found. When he came to me for treatment, I was able to explain to him that this was a mental condition and that it could be treated. Once he understood this, the primary stage of treatment was complete. Later, through counseling and medication, his condition was controlled, and he was able to return to work at the sawmill. His wife also returned home after finishing her work.
In some people, such conditions can manifest as body aches, digestive problems, headaches, stomach pain, indigestion, etc. These are referred to as Somatization Disorders. For these individuals, multiple doctor visits and numerous tests may not reveal any physical problems. Treatment with psychotherapy and medication can help control such issues.
When a person continuously faces unresolved problems and stress, it can eventually lead to Depression. This is a more serious condition compared to the earlier discussed disorders. Depression can be very difficult to treat, and without proper care, it may even lead to suicide. Long-term stress, unresolved losses, and physical symptoms caused by stress can all contribute to the onset of depression.
Signs of depression include loss of interest in everything, inability to experience happiness, lack of attention or interest in personal or family matters, loss of appetite or overeating, feelings of worthlessness, physical fatigue, insomnia, constant headaches, body aches, and a feeling of energy loss. Digestive problems like gas, indigestion, bloating, and a sensation of fullness even after eating small amounts of food can also be common in depressed individuals. Many people with depression also experience a reduced interest in sex.
Sometimes, individuals may have thoughts that life is no longer worth living, and they may attempt or even succeed in committing suicide. If a friend of yours talks about death in this way, it is important to take it very seriously. Strong mental support and medication are essential for such individuals. When treatment for depression starts, it may take days or even weeks for the medication to show results. During this time, the family and friends should take all necessary precautions to prevent the individual from attempting suicide.
An Important Point to Understand
Mental Stress and Its Impact on Health:
I have already described the major symptoms of mental stress-related diseases. However, there is an important fact that needs to be understood in addition to this. The symptoms of all the disorders mentioned above can also be found in many other serious conditions. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart-related diseases, certain adrenal gland disorders, brain-related issues, and various other diseases can all present symptoms similar to those associated with stress. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important not to self-diagnose them as stress-related. You should consult a doctor, undergo a check-up, and, if necessary, complete the required tests.
How to Get Relief from Stress?
Now let's look at how to reduce stress. In this world, where everyone is competing with others for survival, it may seem like a dream to be free from stress. Therefore, the most practical approach is to minimize the intensity of stress as much as possible and learn to move forward while adapting to it, ensuring that it doesn't negatively affect our lives. Below are some general suggestions based on my perspective. Others may not agree, but it’s worth trying:
 

Is Tension a Disease?
We are living in an era with numerous conveniences aimed at making life easier and stress-free. When compared to the past, there's no doubt that life today is less burdened by poverty and is generally simpler. However, people today experience more mental stress and pressure than before. Why is this happening? What causes tension?
Is Tension a Disease?
Experiencing mental stress while going through a difficult situation is a natural phenomenon. However, when this stress begins to affect our daily lives to a significant extent, it should be considered a disorder.
What Causes Tension?
Reason One:
Scientifically, there are two main causes of tension. The first is the problems that arise from the social and economic circumstances we live in. These issues vary for each individual. How each person faces problems also differs. What might seem like a major problem to one person may not be perceived the same way by someone else. The way we view a problem is what truly matters.
The reasons for tension vary across different age groups. Economic and family problems are common among older individuals. Parents who become isolated in old age, those who have experienced broken family relationships, wives who don't receive the attention and love of their husbands, children who don't receive attention and love from their parents, workers who fail to meet their set targets — these are just a few of the many sources of tension seen in daily life. Everyone has their own personal issues that cause tension.
Tension in Children
Children today are not free from tension. When the family environment lacks peace, children become victims of mental stress. Unfortunately, there is a harmful competitive mentality among schoolchildren today. In the past, parents used to force children to secure the first position, which caused significant stress. However, due to continuous awareness efforts, this situation has changed somewhat, but today children are getting trapped in the pressure of their own ego.
The thought that they cannot meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, and friends weakens them. If they score even one mark less than their friends, they are haunted by the dangerous thought that they have become second-rate.
During exams and when results are announced, this stress manifests as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, body aches, stomach pain, and other physical symptoms. In rare cases, this pressure can even lead to seizures or loss of consciousness, causing confusion among parents. Recognizing and addressing this mental state in children is the responsibility of both parents and teachers.
Unfortunately, today no one seems to be paying attention to such issues. Sometimes, children experience mental stress because they don't have the same physical appearance or body development as other children. Parents often make remarks like "My child is not big enough" or "He/She is not fat enough," which can create feelings of inadequacy and lead to mental issues in children. When the attention and consideration that were previously given to a child start shifting towards a sibling, it can lead to serious psychological problems in younger children. A little attention from parents in such matters can easily resolve many issues in children.
Reason Two:
The second reason for tension is the imbalance in certain chemicals in our body. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and similar substances play a major role in this. Changes in the levels of these chemicals can trap the human mind in tension. In fact, both of the reasons — external pressures and the internal chemical imbalances — are responsible for tension becoming a disorder. This explains why two people living in the same situation may experience tension to different degrees.
A detailed analysis of tension sufferers often reveals that many people have psychological stress caused by specific issues. However, some individuals may not exhibit any particular problems, and their issues arise solely from chemical imbalances in the body, even in the absence of external pressures.
Diseases Caused by Mental Stress:
Diseases Caused by Mental Stress
The main diseases caused by mental stress include Anxiety Neurosis, Somatization Disorders, Panic Attacks, and Depression.
When going for an exam, presenting at a large event, or having a superior evaluate our work, we all experience anxiety. This is a natural phenomenon. However, when a person is unable to overcome this state, it becomes a disorder that requires treatment. Symptoms of anxiety neurosis include fatigue, dizziness, increased heart rate, trembling of hands and legs, etc. Panic attack is an extreme form of anxiety. In such cases, some people may experience dizziness and fainting, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and even loss of consciousness. This can be very distressing for the individual.
Case Study
A young man who worked at a sawmill suffered from a panic attack that completely disrupted his life. After some time, he began experiencing dizziness, chest pain, headaches, and body weakness. However, he had no issues when staying at home, and eventually, he became unable to return to work. The mill owner told him that he could only return to work after recovering. In the meantime, with no income, he started doing household chores, including cooking. Despite undergoing numerous tests, no physical issues were found. When he came to me for treatment, I was able to explain to him that this was a mental condition and that it could be treated. Once he understood this, the primary stage of treatment was complete. Later, through counseling and medication, his condition was controlled, and he was able to return to work at the sawmill. His wife also returned home after finishing her work.
In some people, such conditions can manifest as body aches, digestive problems, headaches, stomach pain, indigestion, etc. These are referred to as Somatization Disorders. For these individuals, multiple doctor visits and numerous tests may not reveal any physical problems. Treatment with psychotherapy and medication can help control such issues.
When a person continuously faces unresolved problems and stress, it can eventually lead to Depression. This is a more serious condition compared to the earlier discussed disorders. Depression can be very difficult to treat, and without proper care, it may even lead to suicide. Long-term stress, unresolved losses, and physical symptoms caused by stress can all contribute to the onset of depression.
Signs of depression include loss of interest in everything, inability to experience happiness, lack of attention or interest in personal or family matters, loss of appetite or overeating, feelings of worthlessness, physical fatigue, insomnia, constant headaches, body aches, and a feeling of energy loss. Digestive problems like gas, indigestion, bloating, and a sensation of fullness even after eating small amounts of food can also be common in depressed individuals. Many people with depression also experience a reduced interest in sex.
Sometimes, individuals may have thoughts that life is no longer worth living, and they may attempt or even succeed in committing suicide. If a friend of yours talks about death in this way, it is important to take it very seriously. Strong mental support and medication are essential for such individuals. When treatment for depression starts, it may take days or even weeks for the medication to show results. During this time, the family and friends should take all necessary precautions to prevent the individual from attempting suicide.
An Important Point to Understand
Mental Stress and Its Impact on Health:
I have already described the major symptoms of mental stress-related diseases. However, there is an important fact that needs to be understood in addition to this. The symptoms of all the disorders mentioned above can also be found in many other serious conditions. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart-related diseases, certain adrenal gland disorders, brain-related issues, and various other diseases can all present symptoms similar to those associated with stress. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important not to self-diagnose them as stress-related. You should consult a doctor, undergo a check-up, and, if necessary, complete the required tests.
How to Get Relief from Stress?
Now let's look at how to reduce stress. In this world, where everyone is competing with others for survival, it may seem like a dream to be free from stress. Therefore, the most practical approach is to minimize the intensity of stress as much as possible and learn to move forward while adapting to it, ensuring that it doesn't negatively affect our lives. Below are some general suggestions based on my perspective. Others may not agree, but it’s worth trying: