Hi, I have read your question and understand your concern about your friend. Considering the fact that the doctor mentioned stress as a reason for bleeding, I could assume medically he/she meant hypertension. I would need further details of your friends past and present medical condition to further analyze the scenario. Although, for now I would also suggest cold packing/compression over the nose or cold water head-shower for your friend as it helps relieve the symptoms of bleeding by constricting the blood vessels. Since we have very little information, I hope you get back to us with more details and I could be of further help in clarifying your friends situation. Thank you.