There are three major stress types: acute, episodic, and chronic. Find out how to tell if you have one and what you can do to cope.
Types of Stress
Many different types of stress can affect our lives. Some of these stresses are physical, such as the stress of an illness or injury. Other stresses are emotional, such as the stress of a divorce or the death of a loved one. And still, other stresses are environmental, such as the stress of a natural disaster or the stress of living in a noisy city.
No matter what type of stress you are dealing with, you need not worry since you are not alone. Many people around the world deal with stress every day. And while it may not always be easy to cope with, many resources are available to help us manage our stress in healthy and productive ways.
We explore different types of stress and how you can cope with them to avoid the adverse health effects that come with them.
Three Main Types of Stress
There are three main types of stress:
Acute Stress
Episodic Stress
Chronic Stress
1. Acute Stress
Acute stress can be a normal and healthy reaction to a stressful event. It is the body's way of preparing to deal with a threat.
The reaction is the body's technique of protecting you. It makes you energetic, alert and focused when properly working. Stress can save your life in emergencies, giving you extra strength to defend yourself. The stress response also helps you recover from a traumatic event.
Acute stress is a short-term form of stress. It can last for seconds, minutes, hours, or days. In short, acute stress is any change that requires your body to adapt.
2. Episodic Stress
Episodic stress is a type of stress that occurs in short, sharp bursts. It can be a result of various causes, including:
Work deadlines
Family conflict
Financial troubles.
While episodic stress is generally considered less harmful than chronic stress, it can still take a toll on your body and mind if it's not managed correctly.
You can take some steps to manage episodic stress healthily. First, it's crucial to identify the signs of episodic stress so you can take action before it gets too overwhelming. Common signs of stress include:
Feeling irritable
Feeling anxious
Feeling overwhelmed.
Finding healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with episodic stress is also essential. Some people find that exercise, journaling, or spending time outdoors helps them to relax and manage their stress. Others may find it helpful to talk to a friend or family member about what's causing their stress.
If you’re struggling to manage episodic stress, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can play a crucial role in helping you identify the root cause of your stress and develop a plan to manage it healthily.
3. Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can be detrimental to your health. It can cause symptoms like
Headaches
Stomach problems
Anxiety
Depression.
Poor concentration
Poor memory
If you're constantly under stress, you may be at risk of developing chronic health problems.
You can take some measures to manage chronic stress.
Exercise and relaxation techniques
Talking to a therapist.
If you're constantly under stress, it's crucial to find ways to manage it so that it doesn't take a toll on your health.
Learn to Cope With Stress
Remember, you are not alone in your stress. Millions of people worldwide deal with different types of stress daily. And while it may not always be easy to cope with, many resources are available to help us manage our stress in healthy and productive ways.
So, if you're stressed, don't hesitate to seek help. The earlier you seek assistance, the earlier you will get better.
