Stress is a natural response to life challenges, affecting physical and psychological well-being. Stressors, events triggering stress, vary among individuals and can be routine, sudden disruptive changes, or significant traumatic events. Common stress symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, and poor judgment. Stress and anxiety share symptoms but differ in triggers; anxiety is more internal. PTSD, a severe stress-related condition, results from traumatic events and persists beyond triggers.
Stress can be positive (eustress) or negative (distress), with acute stress lasting briefly and chronic stress developing over time, leading to disorders like generalized anxiety. Common stressors include relationship issues, financial problems, career-related challenges, and academic pressure. Stress contributes to mental health issues such as stress disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating and sleep disorders, and substance use disorders.
Managing stress involves psychotherapy, medication, and stress-management techniques like exercise and meditation. Eustress can enhance concentration and positivity, but distress hampers daily tasks. Stress awareness and coping strategies, along with seeking professional help, are crucial for maintaining mental health.
