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Stress Can Be Contagious, Researchers Find

Even observing a stranger who is stressed can trigger physical and emotional reactions in others.

Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that stress is contagious. They also concluded that stress can be passed on through things such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and touch.

Using people's heart rates and cortisol levels, the researchers found that a person could catch another person's stress, even if they're complete strangers. Other studies have found that a person is four times more likely to get stress from people they know or love such as their partners, friends, or family members. 

The American Pyschological Association says stress can affect your whole body making it difficult to breath, can cause nervous breakdowns, and could increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke and depression over time.

The APA says stress can be managed if the symptoms are recognized and treated. For a list of stress tips you may visit the APA's website.

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