When stress shows up in the body

Have you ever felt “off” but couldn’t explain why?

Maybe your sleep has changed. Your stomach feels upset. Your heart beats faster than normal. You feel tired all the time. It’s easy to think “I’m just stressed,” and move on. But stress, anxiety and substance use don’t only affect your mind. They can affect your body, too.

It’s all connected

Mental and physical health are closely linked. When you feel ongoing stress or sadness, your body can respond. Blood pressure may rise. Sleep can become harder. Energy may drop. Headaches or stomach problems can show up.

Some people turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with stress or pain. It may seem helpful at first. Over time, though, substance use can make sleep worse, raise blood pressure and increase feelings of anxiety or depression.

When one part of your health struggles, the other often feels it.

Small steps can help

You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming. Getting help early can make stress easier to handle.

You can start by:

• Talking with a provider about changes in mood, sleep or energy
• Asking about support for stress, anxiety or substance use
• Scheduling a visit when something doesn’t feel right
• Reaching out before symptoms get worse

Many people think their problem isn’t “serious enough.” But early support can prevent bigger challenges later.

You have support

If you are covered by Medicaid Expansion, you have access to services that support both your mental and physical health. Care today often looks at the whole person, not just one symptom at a time.

Preventive visits give you time to talk with a provider about digestion, nutrition and recommended screenings. If stress is affecting how you feel, mental health support is available. Virtual options, including Learn to Live, are available through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Click here to access Learn to Live and enter code MEDEXP.

Does exercise actually help improve your mental health and wellbeing? Is it really worth the effort when there are other important things to do? You can run a quick experiment and find out how exercise impacts your mental health with this Quick Break.

To learn more about additional programs and support available to you, visit https://medicaid.bcbsnd.com/