Stress has beome a part and parcel of our lives today. Both adults and children these days suffer from stress due to a number of reasons. And not all people can handle it well.

The inability to cope with stress can cause many health problems. These can range from physical health troubles like diabetes, obesity, heart problems, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and headaches, to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Stress can also accelerate ageing, increase a person's risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and cause sleep troubles. These are also often linked. Depression can lead to overeating and hence cause obesity or excessive cholesterol. Sleep deprivation and depression can cause anxiety and panic attacks. Diabetes is also often linked to obesity.

If you child or teenager is overly strained or tired, it can interfere with her school performance and also her overall well-being. She can become irritable, lose her appetite and have trouble sleeping. While answering a question on how to control stress-induced weight gain, in mayoclinic.org, Dr. Edward T Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine states, "Stress itself isn't abnormal or bad. What's important is how you deal with stress. If you're having trouble coping, chronic stress can wear you down and overwhelm you. You may frequently be in a bad mood, your productivity may decrease, your relationships may suffer, you may develop sleep problems, and you might even find it difficult to go about your normal daily routine."

Good diet, regular exercise, a positive attitude and timely treatment can help people deal with stress in a healthy manner.

For more on this topic, you can read through the articles in the ClipBook.