Lots of Texas-bashing today, Leonard! Hey, not all raving pistol-packers down here! We love a good Texas joke as much as you do, but take it easy. We can sling a stereotypical New Yorker jab just as quick on a draw.

Sounds reasonable to conclude that pastimes such as explosive video games can train individuals to suppress that biochemical response. Is it a bad thing to NOT feel stress?

The idea that there is a "root" to anxiety and mood disorders is quite Freudian. CBT gets to such a root no more than drug therapy. Furthermore, drug treatments have been shown to reverse the neural effects of stress on neurons so I would be careful about saying it only treats symptoms.

As a licensed acupuncturist and as someone who receives acupuncture every 2 weeks, might I suggest acupuncture as a choice for neck pain AND anxiety? I've found acupuncture to be very successful for these symptoms, through people I've treated and for myself.

I am interest in the effect of physical movement on on mental and emotional states.
Are there studies, based on experiments performed with neuro-imaging techniques, focusing on specific types of physical movements on stress?
For example, how different cardiovascular activities, such as running, cycling or dance, effect different brain regions and receptors? Which is the most effective to release specific type of stress? In my personal experience "slower" routines (such as yoga or Pilates) do not help in stressful situations as much as power walking or other intense cardiovascular types of exercise.

Are there any connections between stress, depression and vitamin deficiencies?

Hello-

I want to know your guests opinion on anti-depressants
and also, what about stress/anxiety causing dizziness..

Thank you !!!,
Victoria

What is the connection between stress and hair loss?

Are job stress effects temporary?

My son seemed to be born stressed. As an infant he was very colicky and always seemed tense. He's 10 now and suffers from acute anxiety. Can a person be born stressed?

Can you comment on the effect that stress can having on taste, smell, and hearing? I had an episode of acute "sensory overload" after my mother died last year--complete so-called "multiple chemical sensitivity" and hyperacusis with tinnitus. I thought I was losing my mind--and I was! It was a frightening episode--I couldn't get out much. A year later, my symptoms are mostly gone, except for the tinnitus.

Also, what about any links between stress & depression?

Having practices like yoga, meditation, exercise healthy diet makes a huge difference. Also healthy communication skills allow for easier dealing with stress.On a more subtle note, prayer and connection in a spiritual practice makes a huge difference. I connect with my angels for complete support from stress.

To the caller who is either in 5th gear or parked and can eat all the time. Same for me - turned out to be an overactive thyroid - check it out if you haven't already.

I suffer from anxiety and the once and a while panic attacks which I think is stress related. Butt I have been going to a therapist lately which has helped so much . Coupled with exercise (I run) also has helped a great deal.

I hear that meditation is helpful too. Funny how external forces; things that we do can help us just as much as other can hurt us.

Can you ask them more about the connection between stress & back pain? And is it possible that there's a feedback loop - stress begets back pain begets stress until it becomes debilitating. I feel like that's what happens to me until I'm stuck in bed for a month at a time.

What about the stigma associated with the "weakness" associated with appearing/confessing to stress?

Also, what about the general culture that promotes "success" at all costs? As the last guest said, working nonstop to keep their jobs? Those on long-term unemployment? Homeless? Less urban areas also have high levels of stress--the Rust belt that closed down, the deindustrialization of middle America, etc.?

Why do I eat too much when I'm stressed out even though I know better?