Stress is a natural response of the body to external stimuli, which can be physical, psychological, or psychosocial. This defense mechanism, though essential for survival, can have significant repercussions on health, affecting systems such as the immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and endocrine.
Stress resembles anxiety, but it is different because it is a reaction to a concrete external factor, an event or situation that has occurred or is ongoing, whereas anxiety is characterized by excessive and persistent worries with or without an external element to provoke it.
Understanding the different types of stress and how they manifest is crucial for its effective management and is the starting point for seeking professional help.
There are four main categories of stress: acute, episodic acute, post-traumatic, and chronic.
Acute stress is the most common form and occurs in response to specific and short-term situations. It can result from recent events or immediate pressures, such as facing a tight deadline or an emergency situation. In small doses, acute stress can be stimulating and even beneficial, enhancing attention and performance. However, when it becomes excessive, it can lead to psychological and physical problems, such as headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, and concentration difficulties.
This type of stress is characterized by the frequent occurrence of episodes of acute stress. Individuals who suffer from episodic acute stress tend to live disorganized and chaotic lives, often feeling pressured and late. These people generally exhibit symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, persistent headaches, hypertension, and even heart disease. The workplace is a common context for this type of stress, especially in high-pressure professions.
Post-traumatic stress is triggered by exposure to extremely intense traumatic events. War victims, survivors of natural disasters, or people who have suffered prolonged abuse can develop post-traumatic stress. Symptoms include persistently reliving the trauma through intrusive memories, nightmares, and intense physiological responses when recalling the event. Post-traumatic stress can be debilitating, severely affecting an individual's quality of life and mental health.
Chronic stress results from prolonged and continuous pressure situations. This type of stress can arise from persistent problems such as poverty, dysfunctional family relationships, an unhappy marriage, or an unsatisfactory job. Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is long-lasting and can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, strokes, and even suicide. The feeling of having no way out of a difficult situation perpetuates the cycle of chronic stress, causing profound physical and emotional exhaustion.
