What is Stress?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress is considered a natural reaction that occurs when there are changes or challenges. It's important to note, that stress is not categorized as good or bad. It is simply the natural response to a demand, depending on the severity and duration. Stress is anything that disrupts or threatens homeostasis.

There are three types of stress: acute stress, episodic stress, and chronic stress. They can signals your body to go into "fight-or-flight" mode, and can overstimulate your nervous system. These can manifest as behavioral, physical, emotional, or mental responses.

Acute Stress

Acute stress is considered short-term, often manifesting and dissipating quickly. An immediate reaction to a specific event that can elevate heart rate, increase irritability, induce anxiety, and pump adrenaline throughout the body. Acute stress typically does not impose health burdens on those younger and healthier. However, in older or unhealthier demographics it has been studied that health implications were found.

Examples of acute stress:

• Losing track of your phone

• Stubbing your toe against a door

• Running late for a meeting

• Spilling your drink at a restaurant

  
  

Episodic Stress

Episodic stress is more frequent than acute stress, yet not at the point to be considered chronic. It's still considered acute stress, just more regular than normal. Although not as commonly talked about, episodic stress is still prevalent in many lives.

Examples of Episodic Stress:

• Working at a highly demanding job

• Taking on too many responsibilities and tasks than one can handle

• Being responsible for caretaking

• Issues with interpersonal connections

  
  

Continued episodic stress could eventually turn into chronic stress, leading to long-term conditions as well.

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is long-term stress that extends for weeks or months at a time. Many times, there are life-altering situations that play at hand and responsible for long-term stress. This type of stress can also be diagnosed by physicians after a series of symptomatic observations. Continued chronic stress could lead to developing autoimmune diseases and prolonged health conditions.

Examples of chronic stress:

• Marital issues

• A loved one with long-term illness (or yourself)

• poverty or low-income

• Toxic work environments

• Dysfunctional relationships

Health Risks:

• Hypertension (High blood pressure)

• Arrhythmias (Irregular heart rhythms)

• Increased risk of stroke

• Increased risk of heart attack

• Elevated cortisol levels

• Anxiety attacks

• Depression

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Immune Dysregulation

For more information, refer to the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-t1Z5-oPtU

Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G., & Siegel, S. D. (2005). Stress and health: Psychological, behavioral, and biological determinants. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 607–628. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2568977/

Maulik, P. K. (2017). Workplace stress: A neglected aspect of mental health wellbeing. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 39(6), 743–744. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5819024/