Stress is often called the 21st century illness but it has always been with us if perhaps with different names. Those days we regard stress
as a necessary evil of modern living. Yet stress is not negative and without it, we will not enjoy some of the
high points in life just as the anticipation before a date or the tension leading up to an important match. All these situations produce stress but unless you can control it and not the other way around you will feel stimulated, not worn out. Unlike these situations, what
is generally positive and easier to deal with, sitting
on a train that is late, being stuck in a traffic jam,
and working to a tight deadline
is harder to manage and control. Stress is now recognized as a medical problem and as a significant factor in causing coronary heart disease, high
blood pressure and a high cholesterol count. Patients are often unwilling to admit to stress problems although they feel they are a form of social failure and it is important that symptoms should be identified in order to avoid unnecessary suffering. So why should we be looking out for
danger signals? Common signs of stress are increased tiredness, irritability
, and the inability to deal with certain situations.