Stress - types, causes of stress, sign and symptoms of stress

Types of stress

Stress can be divided into two types

1. Instant (acute stress)
2. Overtime (chronic stress)

Acute (short term) stress

It is the body's instant response to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous. Your stress level depends on how intense the stress is, how long it lasts and how you cope with the situation.

Most of the time our body recover quickly from acute stress but stress can cause problems if it happens to for if our body doesn't have a chance to recover in people with heart problems acute stress can Trigger an abnormal heart beat or even a heart attack.

Chronic (long term) stress

It is caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time. This could include having a difficult job or dealing with a chronic disease. If you already have a health problem, stress can make it worse.

Signs and symptoms of stress

The following are some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress.

Cognitive symptoms

Inability to concentrate, poor judgement, seeing only the negative, anxious or racing thoughts, constant worrying.

Emotional symptoms

Moodiness, depression or general unhappiness, irritability or short temper, agitation, inability to relax, sense of loneliness and isolation.

Physical symptoms

Aches and pains, diarrhoea for constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, frequent colds.

Behavioural symptoms

Eating more or less, sleeping too much or too little, isolating yourself from others, using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax, nervous habits (e.g. nail biting).

Causes of stress

The situations and pressure that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a difficult relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on us or forces us to adjust can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college or receiving promotion.

What causes stress depends, at least in part, on our perception of it. Something that's stressful to us may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it. For example, our morning commute may make us anxious and tense because of our worry that traffic will make us late. Others, however, may find the trip relaxing because they enjoy listening to music while they drive.

External causes of stress

1. Major life changes
2. Relationship difficulties
3. Being too busy
4. Work
5. Financial problems
6. Children and family

Internal causes of stress

Not all stress is caused by external factors, stress can also be self generated.

1. Inability to accept uncertainty
2. Negative self talk
3. Perfectionism
4. Pessimism
5. Unrealistic Expectations
6. Lack of assertiveness