Stress can have significant effects on body and mind. Chronic stress is usually the culprit when it comes to physical and mental effects of stress. From abdominal pain, tense muscles and high blood pressure to fertility problems, heart attack risk and a weakened immune system, stress can really take its toll on our bodies.
The term stress is often lumped together with the word 'anxiety' and it is important to note that the two are very different. Stress is usually short lived and in response to a recognized threat. Anxiety can linger and can sometimes seem like nothing is the cause. Believe it or not, there is actually both good and bad stress. Here we highlight four different types of stress:acute stress, chronic stress, distress and eustress.
Acute stress
Acute stress is related to “fight or flight” and situations where the body prepares to defend itself.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress refers to the "uncontrolled stress" that we ignore and allow to build up. It can have many causes, such as bills or relationships, and can lead to health problems in the future if we continue to ignore it.
Distress
Distress is also caused by similar factors such as negative feelings, work problems, etc. However, distress is different from chronic stress as it is stress that we deal with on a regular basis and which is not ignored in the long run like chronic stress. For example, a few hard days at work is most likely distress, as it is temporary stress we are dealing with, while chronic stress is caused by long-term stressors that are ignored, such as underlying relationship problems or constant financial stress.
Eustress
Last but not least is eustress, i.e. good stress. This is stress in everyday life with positive connotations such as job promotion, marriage/happy relationships and others.
