Prolonged state of stress makes people ill as a result of:
A Engaging in such activities as avoidance of tobacco use
B Neglect of warning signs of illness
C Getting adequate sleep
D Decreased levels of powerful hormones
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) Neglect of warning signs of illness.
Prolonged stress can contribute to illness by making individuals neglect important signs that their body may be signaling for help. When a person is under prolonged stress, the body’s stress response system is activated, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are important for dealing with short-term stressors, chronic exposure can lead to various health problems.
One key issue is that when a person is in a constant state of stress, their ability to notice and react to warning signs of illness is diminished. Stress can interfere with the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and substance abuse, which further undermine health.
Additionally, people who are under prolonged stress may experience a decrease in self-care activities. They may ignore symptoms of physical or mental health problems because they are focused on managing stress, leading to a delay in seeking medical help. This can allow diseases or conditions to worsen over time.
In contrast, activities like avoiding tobacco use (option A) and getting adequate sleep (option C) are generally beneficial to health and can help mitigate the negative effects of stress. However, these actions may be harder to maintain or prioritize when someone is overwhelmed by stress. Similarly, the decreased levels of powerful hormones (option D) are typically not the cause of illness during stress; instead, it is the prolonged exposure to high levels of stress hormones that can have harmful effects.