Stress is a growing public health concern but also a natural part of life. We all encounter stress, some more than others.
Stress affects many individuals both physically and psychologically. Many individuals are able to cope with small exposures to stress, and some people even become more productive when encountering stress. However, it is problematic when stress becomes overwhelming and a person begins to suffer from its adverse consequences including increased anxiety, depression and many other side effects (Rizzolo, Zipp, Stiskal, & Simpkins, 2009, p. 81).
Simply put, stress is the body’s response to a demand. There are multiple types of stress with each having their own effects on the body. There are numerous ways to reduce and …show more content…
The first type of stress is acute stress, which is the most common of all. This type of stress is a response to past pressures, immediate pressures, anticipated pressures and pressures of the near future. Acute stress is short term and is the most treatable and manageable type of stress. Acute stress can even come off as exciting and thrilling (Purdue University, 2015).
Some of the side effects of acute stress is emotional distress. This includes a combination of anxiety, depression, and irritability. Acute stress can lead to muscular problems such as jaw and back pain, headaches and muscular tensions that can result in tendon and ligament problems and pulled muscles. Acute stress can also lead to complications with diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, heart burn and acid problems ( American Psychological Association, 2015).
Chronic Stress. While acute stress can be exciting and positive, chronic stress is quite the opposite. Chronic stress is long term and wears on the body. According to the American Psychological Association, (2015) “Chronic stress comes when a person never sees a way out of a miserable situation. It's the stress of unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time. With no hope, the individual gives up searching for …show more content…
Eustress can be motivating. This type of stress can also be a cognitive enhancer. This means that stress can boost ones mental capabilities and help out in professional and academic capabilities. It also helps to recall information and increase memory. This happens because of higher levels of cortisones are present at the time. Lastly, eustress increases physical capabilities, including performance and endurance. Eustress causes a rise in adrenaline which enhances reactions and reflexes. This comes in use for sports players and defending oneself in physical alterations. This type of stress tends to feel exciting (Knowlton,