What Is Stress?

Stress is a natural reaction that everyone experiences. It’s your body’s way of responding to challenges or demands in your life. When faced with a stressful situation, your body releases special chemicals called hormones. These hormones prepare your body to respond quickly, often by making your heart beat faster and increasing your breathing and blood pressure. This response can be helpful, keeping you alert and ready to handle whatever is coming, like studying for an important test or performing in a big game.

While stress can sometimes be positive and help you stay focused, it can become a problem when it goes on for too long without a break or time to relax. Long-term stress can lead to physical, emotional, or mental strain and affect overall well-being. Managing stress is important to help you stay healthy and balanced. Sometimes, this means changing what’s causing the stress, while other times, it involves finding better ways to respond to challenges, like using relaxation techniques or talking to someone who can help. Knowing how to handle stress can make a big difference in how you feel daily.

Stress Types

There are different types of stress, and not all are harmful. Understanding these types can help you manage them better.

Acute Stress: This is short-term stress that comes and goes quickly. It can be positive and negative—for example, the thrill of riding a rollercoaster or the stress of arguing. Acute stress is present daily and usually not harmful, as it fades after the moment.
Episodic Acute Stress happens when acute stress becomes part of your regular life. It means you face stressful situations so often that your body doesn’t get enough time to relax and recover. Like emergency responders, people with very busy or demanding jobs often experience this stress.
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress is long-lasting and can go on for weeks or years. It can be caused by problems such as ongoing money issues, a demanding job, or family troubles. Chronic stress can affect your health, so finding ways to manage it is essential.
Eustress: This is a positive type of stress that can be fun and motivating. It makes you feel excited and full of energy, like the feeling before a sports match or when meeting a big challenge. Eustress can help you stay motivated and driven.

Stress Symptoms

Stress can appear differently and affect your body, mind, and behaviour. Here are some common symptoms:

Physical Symptoms:

Headaches and body aches
Muscle tension or jaw clenching
Chest pain or a racing heart
Dizziness or shaking
Trouble sleeping or feeling tired all the time
Stomach problems like nausea or an upset stomach
Weakened immune system, leading to frequent colds

Emotional Symptoms:

Feeling anxious or nervous
Being easily irritated or grumpy
Feeling sad or depressed
Restlessness or trouble relaxing
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Feeling overwhelmed or on edge

Behavioural Symptoms:

Eating too much or too little
Spending too much time online or shopping
Turning to alcohol or other substances
Compulsive habits, like gambling
Avoiding responsibilities or tasks

Recognising these symptoms can help you understand when stress is affecting you and guide you in finding ways to manage it better.

Stress Causes

Stress is your body’s way of reacting to changes or challenges. Many things can cause stress, and these can be good or bad.

Big Life Changes:

Getting sick or losing someone close to you
Getting married or going through a breakup
Moving to a new house
Having a new baby in the family
Retiring or leaving a job

Everyday Problems:

Studying for a big test
Preparing for a school project or event
Arguing with friends or family
Trying to get a lot done in a short time
Dealing with little problems, like traffic jams or spilling something on yourself

Money and Work:

Worrying about paying bills or money troubles
Feeling pressure from work or school, like tight deadlines or new changes

Stress can be short-term, like when you’re getting ready for an exam, or long-term, like worrying about money or family problems. Knowing what causes stress can help you find ways to handle it and feel better.

Stress Diagnosis

The doctors will ask questions about your feelings and try to uncover the causes of your stress. There is no need to worry about this- your information will only be confidential between you and the doctor. Your information will help the doctors find the best treatment for you, so you must answer honestly.

Stress Treatment

While you can’t altogether avoid stress, there are ways to manage it and keep it from overwhelming.

Daily Practices:

Physical Activity: Try to get some exercise when you start to feel stressed. Even a short walk can help improve your mood and make you feel better.
Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help your body relax and lower stress levels.
Celebrate Achievements: At the end of each day, think about what you’ve accomplished, no matter how small. This can help you feel more positive and in control.

Therapy and Support:

Talking to a Therapist: Speaking with a therapist can help you manage stress by teaching you new ways to cope. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful, focusing on changing negative thoughts into positive ones.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and calm, making it easier to handle stressful situations.

Medication:

Sometimes, medication might be needed to help with stress-related symptoms like trouble sleeping or anxiety. Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment.

Alternative Methods:

Complementary treatments like acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy can also help you relax and reduce stress.

Stress Prevention

Preventing stress before it builds up can make a big difference in your daily life. Here are some simple strategies to help you stay calm and balanced:

Get regular exercise, like walking, sports, or stretching.
Eat healthy meals and get enough sleep each night.
Try relaxation activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Practice gratitude by thinking of the good things in your life.
Learn to say “no” when you’re too busy.
Spend time with friends and family for support.
Accept that you can’t control everything.
Stay positive and avoid negative thoughts.
Do things that make you happy and help you relax.

Stress During Pregnancy

It is considered normal to feel stress and anxiety in pregnancy since it is a massive event in life, and you want everything to go smoothly. Still, if you are anxious about your stress level and if it is affecting your pregnancy, our doctors can help you with that. They will assist you and provide all the advice and reassurance you need.

Stress Treatment Online

Need Stress Treatment Online?

Available appointments

Easy-To-Book Appointments

Helpful And Reliable Service

Ongoing Support

Medically Reviewed

Chrysoula I. Liakou

What Is Stress?

Stress Types