In brief
Stress that lasts a long time or feels overwhelming. healthdirect says this is when stress becomes a problem, with effects right across the body.
- Stress can lead to headaches and body aches, according to healthdirect.
- Over time, stress may cause acne or hair loss.
- Stress may reduce your desire for sex and can lead to fertility problems.
How it works
Stress is a normal response to challenging or new situations, but it becomes a problem when it lasts a long time or overwhelms you. Long-lasting stress can affect breathing, blood pressure, digestion, fertility and sex drive, muscles, immunity, skin and hair, and it can make you more vulnerable to infection and illness.
Stress can be triggered by different life experiences, and chronic stress could be a sign of depression or anxiety. Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, can help you manage stress and boost your ability to cope.
Looking after it
If you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Connections
16 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Chronic stress (allostatic load) is linked with
- Anxiety Supported
Chronic stress could be a sign of anxiety, and ongoing stressful situations are among the causes of anxiety.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
- Low mood and low motivation Supported
Stress can be triggered by different life experiences, and chronic stress could be a sign of depression.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
- Hair loss or thinning Supported
Over time, stress may cause hair loss.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
- Low sex drive Supported
Stress may reduce your desire for sex and can lead to fertility problems.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
Chronic stress (allostatic load) can worsen
- Trouble sleeping Supported
Stress can cause changes in sleep patterns or leave you feeling exhausted.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
- Immune system Supported
Long-lasting stress can make you more vulnerable to infection and illness, according to healthdirect.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
- Psoriasis Supported
Stress is one of the things that can trigger psoriasis or make it worse.
Chronic stress (allostatic load) can raise
- High blood pressure Supported
Long-lasting stress can affect your blood pressure, according to healthdirect.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
- Overweight and obesity Supported
Stress is one of the lifestyle factors listed for obesity.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Obesity
Chronic stress (allostatic load) can be eased by
- Mindfulness and meditation Supported
Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, can help you manage stress and boost your ability to cope.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
- Slow, relaxed breathing Supported
Controlled breathing can lower blood pressure and heart rate and increase feelings of calm and wellbeing.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Breathing to reduce stress
Chronic stress (allostatic load) can result from
- Stress response (HPA axis) Supported
Stress becomes a problem when it lasts a long time.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
Chronic stress (allostatic load) can cause
Chronic stress (allostatic load) has been studied with
- Ashwagandha Emerging
Some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for stress, according to NCCIH.
Source: NIH NCCIH, Ashwagandha
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 12, 13 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.