Stress isn’t just a mental burden—it’s a full-body experience. We throw the word around casually, but the truth is, stress can wreak havoc on both your mind and body in ways you might not even realize.
As part of our Numan Talks Series, we wanted to dig deeper into how stress manifests physically. We sat down with our lead GP, Dr. Luke Pratsides, and Efrem Brynin, who, after enduring the heartbreaking loss of his son, faced a wave of unexpected health issues.
“Don’t Underestimate What Stress Can Do To You”
Dr. Pratsides, who also serves as an NHS GP in East London, has seen firsthand how stress wears people down:
“You’d be surprised at how often stress shows up as physical symptoms. Chronic pain, stomach issues, diarrhea, migraines, nausea—you name it. Some patients even develop joint pain that mimics arthritis, but all their tests come back normal. That’s when you realize stress might be the culprit. It can also trigger flare-ups of conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Some people are in so much pain they can barely move. Others experience migraines so severe they temporarily lose function on one side of their body. We run every test in the book—blood work, X-rays, scans—but everything comes back clear. It’s proof that stress is far more powerful than we often give it credit for.”
Efrem’s Journey: A Wake-Up Call He Never Saw Coming
Efrem, co-founder of the charity StrongMen, thought he knew his limits. He even appeared on SAS: Who Dares Wins on Channel 4, pushing himself through extreme conditions. But what happened next completely blindsided him.
“I had just jumped from a 10-meter-high bridge into the water, climbed into a landing craft, and trekked through the Ecuadorian rainforest. I was staying hydrated, but I had used the toilet before we set off. So, I was good to go.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I wet myself. A few minutes later, it happened again. My bladder should have been empty. Something was seriously off.
I saw the show’s doctor, and thank God I did—because that moment saved my life. That’s how I ended up being diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
“I’m Convinced That Stress Played a Role”
Years before his cancer diagnosis, Efrem endured the unimaginable—losing his son, James, who was serving in Afghanistan. In the aftermath, his health took a nosedive.
“I started developing all these health problems—gum disease, fatigue—you name it. I was only 44, had no family history of these conditions, and was generally healthy. But suddenly, my body was falling apart. I have no doubt that the stress of losing James played a part.”
Dr. Pratsides explains why:
“Stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and heal properly. Sleep usually takes a hit, and when that happens, your overall health starts crumbling. Stress can also cause your stomach to overproduce acid, leading to digestive problems and even mouth ulcers.
There’s still a lot we don’t fully understand, but one thing’s clear—chronic stress seems to suppress the body’s defense mechanisms, which might even make it harder to fight off serious illnesses.”
“Pushing Through Isn’t Always the Answer”
Men are often told to “man up” and push through pain—both emotional and physical. Efrem admits he fell into that trap.
“I’ve always been the type to grit my teeth and power through. Keep my head down. Just get on with it. But grief doesn’t work that way.
After my surgery, things were rough. My body was already struggling with the grief of losing James, and now it had to recover from a prostatectomy, too.
I made the mistake of rushing back to work too soon—both after losing James and after my surgery. I hadn’t learned my lesson. I knew exercise was important, but my progress felt like it was going in reverse. It was beyond frustrating.”
Dr. Pratsides urges anyone going through extreme stress or grief to seek help sooner rather than later:
“Men, in particular, tend to bottle things up, hoping it’ll just pass. But stress, anxiety, and depression don’t just disappear on their own. GPs deal with these issues all the time, and we have the tools to help. Talking therapy is often the best route, though medication can help in severe cases. The key is to find a solution that works for you—and support is always available.”
Learning to Listen to Your Body
Efrem eventually realized that slowing down and listening to his body was the key to recovery.
“I had to lower my expectations and stop beating myself up. I started using natural supplements like ginseng and magnesium. Maybe it was just a placebo effect, but honestly, I didn’t care—it helped.
Three years on, I finally feel like I have control again. I know when I need medication, when I should push myself, and when I should rest. I pay attention to what I eat and drink, and I’m mindful about exercise. Losing James will always be a part of me, but I’ve learned how to manage my emotions. I can deal with it now.”
“Get Help Early—It Makes All the Difference”
Dr. Pratsides leaves us with one final piece of advice:
“Don’t just push through it. Ignoring stress doesn’t make it go away—it just builds up until you reach a breaking point. And when that happens, recovery takes so much longer.
The sooner you seek help, the better your outcome will be. That’s the bottom line: Get help early. Help is there.”
