Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, taking to Instagram to share that a “high level of stress” was behind his decision.
The Game of Thrones star – who appeared as Hodor in the HBO series – said that “stress” and “a little bit of grief” had manifested itself physically and sadly he would no longer be able to take part in the show.
In a video on Instagram, the 49-year-old star from Northern Ireland said, “Like so many people at the moment, I’ve been dealing with a high level of stress and a little bit of grief if I’m going to be really real. I’ve always been my mother’s son and I’ve always powered through things like this in the past. I think I’ve got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this. Well, I thought I did, at least.
“For the first time, it’s manifested physically, and it’s caused a spike in my vitals, sort of into an area of concern.” Vitals are clinical measurements such as blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
“I’m a big guy, always have been, ever since I set foot on this earth,” he continued. “I take my health very seriously and I saw my doctor and I was checked for the show like two weeks before and everything was fine.
“He was happy for me to take part. Please know I’m OK. I’m under treatment already and my doctor isn’t concerned. After two, maybe three weeks I will be fine. But sadly, I don’t have time for the show.”
What is stress?
Stress is our body’s response to pressure or feeling threatened. According to charity Mind, “Stress usually happens when we’re in a situation that we don’t feel we can manage or control”.
Stress triggers a fight or flight response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help us deal with perceived threats.
It’s normal to feel stressed at times and some people can find a small amount of stress helpful, but sometimes it can affect our lives and we may find it difficult to cope.
In most cases, stress is short-lived lived but it can become a problem when it lasts for a long time (chronic stress) or happens immediately after an upsetting or unexpected event, such as a bereavement or attack and is particularly intense (acute stress).
Stress can cause muscle tension or pain in some people. (Getty Images)
What are the physical symptoms of stress?
Stress can manifest itself in a number of different ways and may affect people differently. As well as mental symptoms, such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious or struggling to make decisions, stress can also cause changes in behaviour, like changes in appetite and sleep or increased irritability.
You may also experience physical symptoms like Nairn, these can include:
Muscle tension or pain – stress can cause you to tense your muscles to guard against injury or pain from perceived threats. If your muscles are tense for a long period of time, this may cause aches or pains.
Headaches or dizziness – tense muscles can lead to tension headaches or migraines. Stress has also been linked to vertigo – a feeling of dizziness – in some people.
Stomach problems – According to the NHS, In some people, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhoea. Stress may also worsen digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Chest pain or a faster heartbeat – stress can increase your heart rate and elevate your blood pressure, however this should return to normal once the stressful situation is over.
Sexual problems – chronic stress can also affect testosterone production, according to the American Psychological Association, which can result in a lower libido or erectile dysfunction.
Mind says stress hormones could also result in further physical symptoms including difficulty breathing, blurred vision or sore eyes, sweating, rashes, changes to your period, fatigue and feeling sick.
How to cope with stress
If you’ve struggled with stress for a long time or it’s affecting you mentally or physically, speak to your GP.
You can also refer yourself for free talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, on the NHS.
The NHS also recommends:
Talking to friends or family about how you’re feeling
Using calming breathing exercises
Planning ahead for stressful days
Speaking to the Samaritans on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org if you need to talk to someone
Mind says you may find activities such as arts and gardening classes or volunteering help with your welbeing. You could also try alternative therapies such as yoga and meditation. You can find lots of helpful information about stress on the charity’s website.
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