What is Stress?
Stress is the bodies way to dealing with a dangerous situation. Stress is a good feeling to have and infact a human could die without it. It helps us survive in our environment. Although stress is something that should help in a dangerous situation it can also be a problem and even lead to depression.
Acute Stress
Acute stress leads to changes throughout the body that effect; the brain, heart, lungs, immune system, skin and metabolism. Over time acute stress can contribute to physical and mental health decreasing.
Stressors
External Include: pain, hot or cold temperatures, poor working conditions, or an abusive relationship.
Internal Include: infections, inflammation, or worry of events in life. (Did you know that internal stressors are absent in all animals except human beings?)
Common acute stressors
Noise
Crowding
Isolation
Hunger
Danger
Infection
Imagining a threat or remembering a dangerout event
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is more harmful than acute stress. Chronic stress is when you are stressed for a long period of time (usually years). This can lead to feelings of depression and mental and physical pain.
Common Chronic Stressors
On-going high pressured work
Long-term relationship problems
Persistent financial worries
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