What Are the Most Common Types of Stress?
You’ve got a big project coming up at work. If you don’t get it done on time, you’re going to miss out on that promotion that you’ve been looking forward to. You’re under so much stress that your head won’t stop pounding.
This is the number one example of acute stress. It’s the body’s gut reaction to a new and challenging endeavor. It tends to fade with time.
It only becomes a problem when it doesn’t go away. If this is the case, you may be experiencing one of the other types of stress. Check out this guide to learn what they are and how to deal with them.
Acute Stress
One of the most common causes of stress is acute. It rears its ugly head when you’re faced with a new challenge. Some good examples are a near-death situation or a sudden deadline.
Most of the time, acute stress is a temporary feeling. Once the threat is over, your body will return to normal. It only poses a danger when it doesn’t go away.
Sometimes when the situation is bad enough, it can cause PTSD. You may end up needing to seek out a counselor or click for sound therapy courses.
Episodic Stress
Episodic stress is short and frequent bursts of acute stress. It can happen when you work in high-pressure workplaces such as law enforcement and healthcare.
You don’t have space in your day for relieving stress. You always feel anxious and on edge. Like with regular acute stress, it can lead to serious mental issues.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress never ends. No matter how many stress-relief methods you try, you always feel on edge from heavy sources of pressure.
This kind of long-term stress isn’t good for your body. You’ll experience serious health issues like high blood pressure, weakened immune system, depression, and anxiety.
You may have some issues sleeping and develop headaches that pain killers can’t seem to fix. Some people also have stomach and digestion problems.
Eustress
It’s important to note that not all types of stress are bad. It can act as a motivator and fill your body with a sense of excitement. This is known as eustress.
It’s best described as an adrenaline rush. It’s the emotions you feel when you get off of a rollercoaster ride with plenty of loops or you win an exciting sports game.
If you love your job and take joy in being busy, tight deadlines may turn into a good thing instead of being a horrible source of acute stress.
Identifying the Different Types of Stress
As you can see, there are many different types of stress. Not all of them are bad. Having an adrenaline rush can actually motivate you to get things done.
Other stressors can leave you with scars that only a counselor can assist you with. We hope that you’re able to use this article to identify the stress you’re dealing with and get the help you need.
For more tips that will help you manage your mental health, visit the Lifestyle section of our blog.