How does chronic stress affect the immune system?
By having chronic stress, you can weaken your immune system and fall victim to an illness
that you would normally fight off with ease. Medical research is finding evidence that even
serious chronic illnesses such as cancer are linked to stress as well. Because your immune
system is weakened by stress, anything from the common cold to an uncommon cancer is
more likely to invade when you are under stress for long periods of time. Other stress–
related illnesses can include asthma, ulcers, colitis, skin disorders such as eczema or hives,
allergies, strokes, and heart attacks. Medical research suggests that the effects of stress
can strike back as long as 20 years later. Men who were highly anxious in middle age,
studies show, are much more likely 20 years later to have high blood pressure than men
who had a calmer outlook on life.
How does corporate stress affect organizations?
According to the American Institute of Stress, stress-related problems cost the American
economy more than $300 billion every year. Close to 90 percent of visits to the doctor are
for stress-related symptoms. Up to 80 percent of industrial accidents are blamed on stress.
In a survey of employees’ stress-related symptoms, most employees reported feeling at
least three symptoms. About one-fifth of those surveyed had missed work because of
stress, and one-third had thought about quitting as a way of relieving stress.