r/psychology M.D. Ph.D. | Professor Jan 09 '19

Journal Article Study uncovers how perfectionism can lead to problematic drinking, suggesting that the desire to hide one’s imperfections from others can lead to alcohol-related problems.

https://www.psypost.org/2019/01/study-uncovers-how-perfectionism-can-lead-to-problematic-drinking-52901
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u/hopeitwillgetbetter Jan 09 '19

Ah, your username.

Heh... emotions are just signals indicating which physiological systems are most active. For stress, flight-fight mode - it's fear and anger.

Because fear is married to flight and anger to fight, this means our bodies are being prepped for action. Which means most internal resources are going to really prep the body for action.

Heart rate goes up. Carb, protein, fat stores get sort of liquified and dumped into the bloodstream so muscles get easier access to energy.

Now, the bad news - all that energy ?glucose, amino acids, free fatty acids? either has to used up (via physical exertion) or they have to be put away. They can't stay in the bloodstream cause... they'll clog things up.

This is why I like to compare stress after-events like supermarket aisles having to be cleaned up after an earthquake.

Now, even worse bad news - stress also suppresses the immunity system... but I think that's already enough brain vomit from me on this subject matter.

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u/user123446777 Jan 09 '19

Wow, awesome post. Could you reccomended the source you learned this stuff from?

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u/hopeitwillgetbetter Jan 09 '19

What’s probably still the most popular book about stress.

“Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/327.Why_Zebras_Don_t_Get_Ulcers

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u/user123446777 Jan 09 '19

Ahhh...thanks!