Identifying Different Types of Stress
Stress is a part of life. It’s a natural response to challenges that we face in our daily lives. However, stress can have negative effects on our health and well-being if it is not managed properly. Identifying the different types of stress can help you understand how it affects you and how to manage it effectively. In this article, we’ll discuss what stress is, its effects on the body, potential health issues, and the different types and sources of stress.
What this article is not is a treatment guide. We lay out a few common things people can do to elevate stress from different areas of life, but ultimately this post is to help you better understand the many places stress can originate from, and empower you towards seeking effective help when needed. When in doubt, always consult a physician and/or licensed therapist.
What is Stress?
Stress is a complex response that involves both physical and psychological reactions to perceived threats. When the brain perceives danger it sends a signal to the autonomic nervous system to initiate the stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones affect all sorts of physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, immune system function, and metabolism. Chronic or prolonged stress can impact not only the body but also the brain itself, such as regions of the brain responsible for memory, emotion regulation, and decision-making.
Types of Stress
It’s important to know what type of stress you’re experiencing. An acute stress from a situation is different than a chronic stress, while those with traumatic stress are encouraged to find specialized care from a trauma informed therapist.
Acute Stress
When we think of stress, we often think of acute stress. This type of stress is short-term and occurs in response to a specific event or stressful situation. Examples of acute stress include public speaking, taking an exam, or getting into an argument with someone.
While acute stress can be uncomfortable, it is usually manageable and goes away relatively quickly. If it doesn’t, and you find yourself compensating for it consistently, it may be turning into a chronic stress, which is much more detrimental to your health.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is a type of stress that can persist over an extended period of time. It can be caused by ongoing issues such as financial problems, relationship troubles, or work-related stress. If left untreated, chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and depression.
Treating chronic stress involves finding and addressing the underlying causes of your stress, reducing the impact of those stressors, and building resilience. while exercise, meditation, therapy, and other relaxation techniques are all great ways to manage chronic stress and improve overall well-being, you may wish to consult a therapist about therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic Stress
Traumatic experiences can create a lasting impact on an individual’s stress response system, leading to heightened reactivity to future stressors. Traumatic stress refers to the stress response triggered by exposure to a traumatic event or a series of distressing experiences.
This is a distinct type of stress that can also influence how individuals perceive, cope with, and recover from subsequent or existing acute or chronic stressors. Traumatic stress can be characterized by intense fear, helplessness, or horror, and it often leads to long-lasting psychological and physiological effects.
Treatment for traumatic stress may involve therapy, medication, and self-care practices such as exercise and relaxation techniques. Remember, seeking help is the first step towards recovery and a healthier life.
Eustress <- This one is okay!
Unlike other forms of stress, “eustress,” refers to a positive form of stress that is beneficial and motivating for individuals. Unlike negative forms of stress, healthy stress can enhance performance, promote personal growth, and improve resilience. It is typically short-term and manageable, with individuals feeling challenged rather than overwhelmed.
Examples of eustress include:
- preparing for a challenging presentation or exam
- engaging in competitive sports
- pursuing personal goals or aspirations
- taking on new and exciting opportunities or responsibilities
However, it’s important to maintain a balance and not let healthy stress turn detrimental. Did an experience leave you feeling positive, or did it leave you drained and overwhelmed? If it had a negative impact, it’s likely not eustress.
Stress Factors vs Symptoms
Identifying the causes of stress can be challenging. Stress can manifest in so many ways, and many things we might think of as the effects of stress -insomnia, poor appetite, working under a chronically tight deadline, etc- are likely also compounded stressors in and of themselves. Physical stressors like lack of sleep or poor nutrition can contribute to stress levels, while emotional factors like anxiety and depression can exacerbate the situation.
If you’ve been trying to address mental or emotional stress, but don’t feel like you’ve been making much headway, try looking into any underlying biological stressors. Conversely, if you have a clean bill of health but continue to have physical symptoms, consider that the source of your distress might be psychological or environmental.
Common Stressors / Sources of Stress
If you’re experiencing stress but aren’t sure where to look for the problem, we’ve provided a (non exhaustive) list of common stressors. It’s not necessarily just one issue, but naming them is the first step to handling them.
Psychological or emotional stressors
Relationship problems, work-related stress, and financial worries are all examples of psychological or emotional stressors. Unlike biological stressors, these types of stressors can be challenging to identify and may require self-reflection or professional help.
Psychological or emotional stress can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Life changes or transitions:
Life changes and transitions can be significant sources of stress. Moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going through a breakup are just a few examples of the life changes that can cause stress. It’s important to recognize these stressors and find healthy ways to cope with them.
Seeking support from loved ones or professionals, practicing mindfulness techniques, and making positive lifestyle changes such as improving sleep hygiene are effective strategies for managing stress caused by life transitions and loneliness.
Remember that everyone experiences and reacts to stress differently, so it’s essential to find the coping mechanisms that work best for you.
Social stressors
Navigating social stressors can be incredibly challenging due to their complex nature. These stressors often involve other people and their emotions, making them more difficult to manage. Examples of social stressors include conflict with a friend or family member, feeling left out of social events, or feeling pressured to fit in with a certain group.
Identifying the source of your social stress can help you develop coping strategies to manage it effectively. Some strategies may include setting boundaries, practicing assertiveness, or seeking support from trusted friends or professionals.
Occupational stressors
Occupational stressors can be challenging to manage due to their significant impact on our daily lives. Workplace stress like heavy workloads, long hours, and difficult relationships with coworkers can take a toll on our mental and physical health, and those working at home or caring for children full time are particularly susceptible. This stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression if not managed effectively.
Strategies recommended to reduce occupational stress include setting realistic goals and practicing good time management as well as seeking support from colleagues, loved ones or a mental health professional.
Financial stressors
Financial stress is a common issue that affects many people. It can be caused by various factors, including debt, unemployment, or unexpected expenses. This type of stress can have significant consequences on both mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms like headaches and stomach problems.
Creating a budget, seeking professional help if needed, and practicing self-care techniques like exercise and meditation are frequently recommended.
Biological Stressors
There are plenty of physical factors that can cause stress, such as illness or injury.
Biological stressors can be acute, like a sudden injury, or chronic, like an ongoing illness. When faced with these types of stressors, the body’s response is to activate its fight or flight response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, even though the danger is within itself. These hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure, preparing the body to respond to a perceived threat. If you’re not sure where your stress is coming from, try seeking health care and see if anything turns up.
Environmental stressors
External factors like noise, pollution, and weather conditions can cause environmental stress. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes can be significant sources of stress as well. Workplace stressors such as long hours, high workload, poor work-life balance, and low job satisfaction can also contribute to environmental stress. Some people may be more sensitive to environmental stressors than others due to genetic or personal factors. Identifying and managing environmental stressors can help reduce the impact of stress on our mental and physical health.
Resilience: Seeking Help for Stress Management
Seeking help for stress management is essential for maintaining overall mental and physical health. Stress can have a significant impact on daily life, and it’s important to address it before it becomes unmanageable.
One of the most effective way of seeking help is through therapy or counseling. Talking through problems with a trained professional can be incredibly beneficial in managing stress levels. Things you can do at home include seeking social support and practicing self-care techniques like meditation, exercise, and spending time outdoors.
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