Characteristics of stress

Understanding Stress

Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from demanding circumstances.
The body’s stress response is often referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response and was first introduced by Walter Cannon.
Our bodies react to perceived threats by producing various physiological changes, designed to prepare us for either ‘fight’ or ‘flight’. This is an adaptive response that has been crucial for our survival.

Physiological arousal such as increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate.
Stress stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain triggering the pituitary-adrenal system and the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system.
The adrenal glands are stimulated to produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Constant activation of the stress response can lead to psychosomatic disorders such as ulcers, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

Feelings of overwhelm, worry, anxiety, and fear are common emotional responses to stress.
Stress can also lead to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and can have an impact on memory function.
Over the long term, stress can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression.

Acute Stress: A short-term type of stress that can either be thrilling and exciting (acute episodic) or harrowing and frightening (acute traumatic).
Chronic Stress: This type of stress is prolonged and constant. This could lead to significant health problems, like heart disease and cancer.
Eustress: This is considered ‘good’ stress. Stuff like starting a new job or getting married can cause this.
Distress: This is ‘bad’ stress, resulting from ongoing high pressure situations.

Stressors can be external (from the environment, social situations, etc.) or internal (illness, medical procedures).
Life-changing situations such as death, divorce or job dismissal can lead to family strife or financial problems and can be significant stressors.
Daily hassles, such as commuting, deadlines and time pressures are the most common stressors.