Depression, Chronic Stress, Hostility, Cynicism increase Stroke Risk Ralph Teller, Ironman Triathlete

“ . . . psychological factors . . . can have a negative impact on health." Dr. Everson-Rose.”

Depression, chronic stress, or exhibiting hostility or cynicism can increase the risk for stroke, according to a new study.

The study lead author is Susan Everson-Rose, PhD, associate professor, Medicine, University of Minnesota.

Prior studies have linked hostility — as well as depression and stress — to cardiovascular disease. This is the first study linking these psychological and behavoir factors to stroke risk.

A cynical world outlook doubles stroke risk

Having a cynical outlook on the world can be even more damaging to your health. The study found maintaining a cynical outlook on the world can double risk of stroke. Chronic stress was found to add a 1.5 to more than 2-fold increased risk of stroke. Hostility was found to add over a 2-fold increase in stroke risk.

Our environment and approach to life can have a significant positive or negative impact on our physical and mental health.

How we deal with depression, which is a natural experience of the human condition, can have a great impact on our long term mental and physical health. Antidepressant have been found to have numerous very harmful side effects. See The Devastating Side Effects of Antidepressants

Life is meant to endure. Except in the case of a clinical diagnosis of severe depression, natural ways of dealing with depression are recommended and can be successful. See How to Naturally Beat Depression

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