Second-hand Stress May Be Causing Significant Health Problems
BOSTON (CBS) - We all know that second-hand smoke is bad for us. Now some doctors believe the same may be true for stress.
Three years ago Larry Stack suffered a massive heart attack and doctors said stress was the primary reason. Not the everyday stress a lot of us feel from living an over-scheduled lifestyle but stress from the people around us.
Experts say stress felt by your boss, a co-worker and even a spouse can be contagious.
"Probably the worst culprits are the people who don't know they are stressed and they're just walking through rooms spreading stress everywhere they go," explained mediation and stress-management expert Martin Boroson.
It's called second-hand stress. Some doctors believe it's just as contagious as a cold and might actually have more serious health consequences.
"Constant stress can raise blood pressure. It can also increase the risk for having a heart attack or coronary artery disease," explained cardiologist Dr. Merle Myerson.
Dr. Myerson treated Larry and believes second-hand stress contributed to his heart disease. "A lot of emotional feelings are... transferred," she said. "So if you're with someone who is angry or stressed, you may start to feel that way as well."
When co-workers were stressed out, Larry said he really didn't know how to deal with it. "I would keep it in," he said.
That's a problem according to experts. Boronson says you need to learn how to refocus your attention. "If you focus on something neutral like your breathing, you can gently create a clearing in your mind," he said.
Whether you take deep breaths or go for a quick walk, doing something to avoid second-hand stress is important. Boronson said it is also important to remember those around you. "Once you've got the 'hot potato' of stress, don't throw it onto somebody else," he warned.
Now when Larry is confronted with a stressful situation, he has the perfect response. He says, "I have a heart condition now. You are risking my life."
Stress can also lead to obesity, depression and autoimmune diseases. Research has also shown it can have an effect on certain cancers. So it's worth the time and effort it may take to keep it under control.
