21 January 2015

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling that we have in response to particular demands. Events that create stress cover a wide range of situations: they can be everything from taking a test, adjusting to a new environment, to facing a physical danger.

What are the common sources of stress?

Academic pressure
Pressure to fit in with peer groups
Adaptation to body changes
Transition to higher educational levels
Over-scheduling of extracurricular activities
Expectations from parents
Family and peer conflicts
Relationship problems
Career decisions
Financial concerns

What are the signs of being “stressed-out”?

Increased physical illness, due to suppression of the immune system
Mood swings: increased anger and irritability
Constant feelings of worry, nervousness, and hopelessness
Problems with sleeping and eating
Difficulty concentrating
Withdrawal from social activities

Can stress have positive effects?

Yes! Although most people associate stress with worry, pressure, and tension, some types of stress are actually good for us. For example, the sense of challenge you feel before a class presentation, a performance, or a sport competition is an example of positive stress because it keeps you alert and prepares your body and your mind for the task. Many discoveries and innovative ideas are also results of positive stress. Appropriate levels of stress not only help us stay motivated, but they also add excitement to our daily activities. As you could probably imagine, life completely without stress would be pretty dull.

Consequences of negative stress

When handled inappropriately, negative stress can lead to serious physical and mental problems. Stress contributes to headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. Repetitive stress is also the cause of anxiety, depression, memory disturbances, and other mental disorders. It is evident that people who are chronically stressed are more likely to engage in smoking, alcohol addiction, and substance abuse.