The definition of stress according to the American Psychological Association is “the response of the body to any demand placed upon it.” Stress can be either positive or negative; it is a natural response of the body that helps us to cope with demands placed upon us.
There are four different types of stress: acute stress, episodic stress, chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress. Acute stress is the most common type of stress and is the type of stress we feel in response to a specific event or situation. Episodic stress is stress that occurs in response to repeated episodes of stressful events or situations. Chronic stress is stress that is long-term and lasts for months or even years. Post-traumatic stress is stress that occurs in response to a traumatic event.
There are a variety of stressors that can trigger the stress response. Some of the most common stressors include: work, school, relationships, finances, and health. Stress can also be caused by major life events such as: death, divorce, job loss, and retirement.
The stress response is the body’s way of preparing itself to deal with a threat. When we perceive a threat, the body responds by releasing a rush of stress.
Stress can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Positive stress can help us to become more alert and motivated. Negative stress can lead to physical and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, there are some steps you can take to help you cope. First, try to identify the source of your stress and see if there is anything you can do to eliminate or reduce it. If that is not possible, then try to find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to someone who can help you. Remember, stress is a normal part of life, but it should not take over your life. With a little effort, you can find ways to handle your stress and still enjoy your life.
A few years back in therapy we had these emotional regulation worksheets, if you were scared of something this is what you can do, if you’re angry do this, ect and my therapist told me that stress comes under one of the 4 main emotions; happiness, sadness, anger and fear.
I never worked out which one and so was never able to use the cheat sheet of emotion regulation on it.
What do you think?
I think it would be a big help for stress
Yeah but which emotional umbrella would you say stress comes from? Anger? Sadness? Fear?
Anger
You think? If I get a chance to practice anger skills on stress it’ll come up in a Mindful Monday post 😀
That will be a good post