Types of Stress

Acute Stress

This is the most widely experienced form of stress, and is triggered by the everyday demands that we all undergo. And although the word ‘stress’ indicates a negative impression, acute stress is what actually triggers joy and excitement.

However, if this type of stress is experienced for too long, you may experience psychological and/or physical symptoms. These symptoms include:

Physical

• Muscle pain.
• Stomach problems.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Hypertension.
• Heart palpitations.

 

Psychological

• Anger.
• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
  

More symptoms

Episodic Stress

Acute stress that is experienced for too long and too frequently is called episodic stress. This is usually seen in those who make unrealistic or unreasonable demands on themselves, which they often fail to accomplish. Episodic stress differs from chronic stress though, because this type will cease occasionally, but not as often as acute stress.

Episodic stress is typically seen in very tense and hostile people who are overly competitive, aggressive, and demanding. The symptoms include:

• Persistent physical symptoms comparable to those experienced in acute stress.
• Heart problems.
• Longer episodes of sustained depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Constant worrying.

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Chronic Stress

Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is not exciting or thrilling, but serious and unhealthy. It is brought about through enduring exposure to factors, such as traumatic experiences, an unwanted job, relationship problems, poverty, and chronic illnesses.

The accumulated stress that results from exposure to these situations can make a person resort to violence, self-harm, or even suicide. Serious physical illnesses like heart attack, stroke, cancer, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression can arise from chronic stress. Other symptoms include:

Physical

• Frequent urination.
• Muscle tension.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Racing heart.
• Dry mouth.
• Stomach problems.
• Headache.
• Excessive perspiration.

Psychological

• Concentration problems.
• Sleeping problems.
• Irritability.
• Restricted awareness.
• Mental fatigue.

More symptoms

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