Examples of life stresses are:

Stress has been linked to illnesses that include cancer, lung disease, fatal accidents, suicide, and cirrhosis of the liver. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that children exposed to chronic stress are more likely to develop a mental illness if they are genetically predisposed.

Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Low energy.
• Headaches.
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles.
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat.
• Insomnia.
• Frequent colds and infections.
• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability.

Stress can be positive or negative, depending on the situation. Positive stressors (called eustress) may include an upcoming wedding, the holidays, or pregnancy. On the other hand, negative stress (called distress) results in the full-blown stress response.

• The death of a loved one.
• Divorce.
• Loss of a job.
• Increase in financial obligations.
• Getting married.
• Moving to a new home.
• Chronic illness or injury.
• Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem)

Eustress: Eustress is considered good stress as it can provide a burst of energy that heightens awareness. It is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, meaning the body prepares to flee from a threat or shifts all its energy toward confronting it.

Signs of stress overload

• Anxiety or panic attacks.
• A feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled and hurried.
• Irritability and moodiness.
• Physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain.
• Allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma.
• Problems sleeping.

In this article, we discuss three types of stress: Acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress.

The Four Common Types of Stress

• Time stress.
• Anticipatory stress.
• Situational stress.
• Encounter stress.

Panic attacks are extreme and intense periods of anxiety or fear that affect both the individual’s physical functioning (e.g., pounding heart, sweating, trembling, sensations of choking or being unable to breathe, extreme nausea, dizziness, chills, chest pains, etc.)

“Eustress produces positive feelings of excitement, fulfillment, meaning, satisfaction, and well-being,” Lee said. He explains that eustress is good because you feel confident, adequate, and stimulated by the challenge you experience from the stressor.

When chronic stress — which is the bad type — dominates your thoughts day in and day out, it does a number on your body, causing anxiety, tiredness, high blood pressure, depression, etc.

“Good stress,” or what psychologists refer to as “eustress,” is the type of stress we feel when we are excited. Our pulse quickens and our hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear.

If you’re constantly under stress, you can have physical symptoms, such as headaches, an upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pain, and problems with sex and sleep. Stress can also lead to emotional problems, depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry.

According to American Psychological Association (APA), there are 3 different types stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress. The 3 types of stress each have their own characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches.

Feelings of stress are normally triggered by things happening in your life which involve: being under lots of pressure. facing big changes. worrying about something. not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation.

BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS

1. No time for relaxation or pleasurable activities.
2. Prone to accidents, forgetfulness.
3. Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking, caffeine, recreational or illegal drugs.
4. Becoming a workaholic.
5. Poor time management and/or poor standards of work.
6. Absenteeism.
7. Self neglect/change in appearance.
8. Social withdrawal.

The origins of stress may vary with the individual, but in general, stress arises from frustration, life changes, conflict, lack of control, and uncertainty. Frustration. Frustration occurs when an individual is blocked or thwarted, whether by personal or environmental factors, in an attempt to reach a goal.

Hans Selye

Stress and Memory Stress can affect how memories are formed. When stressed, people have a more difficult time creating short-term memories and turning those short-term memories into long-term memories, meaning that it is more difficult to learn when stressed. Stress can affect the type of memories we form as well.

Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.

Stress. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus.

Stress can cause acute and chronic changes in certain brain areas which can cause long-term damage. Over-secretion of stress hormones most frequently impairs long-term delayed recall memory, but can enhance short-term, immediate recall memory.