Stress and Causes

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is the body's response to demands on it, both enjoyable and threatening. Stress is an internal chemical reaction that is non-specific, one that prepares us for "fight or flight," and allows us to adapt or resist to changing stimuli. These STIMULI are simply the many and varied events of our daily lives.

COULD WE DO WITHOUT STRESS?

NO, we could not do without stress. Stress is necessary for life. In fact, we need a certain amount of stress to be healthy. Humans need stimulation to function. Stress, as stimulation, helps us to live an active - as opposed to passive - existence. It makes us change thought into action, whether we are running a race, playing an instrument, planning a party or getting married.

CAN WE AVOID STRESS?

NO, we cannot avoid stress because it is an automatic part of life. The body's stress reaction is the same whether it results from a scare or a kiss. Both a scare and a kiss are "stressors." STRESSORS are things that bring about the body's response. It is wise to be conscious of both positive and negative stressors. Being alert to stress, its causes and symptoms, can help us cope with it.

WHERE DOES STRESS COME FROM?

Stress comes from "stressors." Stressors are all around us. Some stressors are environmental (being too hot or too cold). Others are attitudinal (how we react to a huge homework assignment or an unannounced test). Stressors also can result from relationships - both good and bad (a date with someone special or a fight with parents). Stressor can be small events or incidents of grave importance.

WHEN DOES STRESS BECOME A PROBLEM?

Stress becomes a problem only when it becomes "distress." DISTRESS is the result of too much stress and our inability to cope effectively with it. This over-abundance of stress may be the result of only one event or a combination of experiences.

WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF TOO MUCH STRESS?

It is often difficult to determine if someone is experiencing too much stress until that person reaches the stage of exhaustion, mental or physical collapse. There are, however, some physical, psychological and emotional signs that may indicate stress overload. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS include stomachaches, ulcers, headaches, backaches, insomnia and restlessness. PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS include over-reactions, indecisiveness, short-term memory loss, anxiety and uncustomary aggressiveness. EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS include changes in behavior, mood swings, outbursts, anger, impotence and depression.

WHAT IS THE MOST SERIOUS RESULT OF NEGATIVE STRESS?

The most serious result of negative stress is the inability to cope with life, followed by suicide. High school