Stress the Definition of Stress

Stress

The definition of stress is ever elusive with various definitions being put forth. Stressfocus website (2009) referrers to stress as "normal physiological response of the body to situations or stimulus which are perceived as 'dangerous' to the body." It can also be defined as a mental, emotional or even at times physical response to occurrences that cause physical or psychological tension. These are external compulsions that affect one's mind or body.

Types of stress

There are various types of stress; the first is the Physical stress which is the situation in which the entire body goes through suffering due to a stressful circumstance or circumstances. The physical manifestations do vary in seriousness depending on the particular situation that stresses the individual. The most prevalent is headache, however with prolonged stress there can result ulcers and other digestive disorders, nervousness, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, fatigue and many more.

The other is the emotional stress which comes as a result of f stress effect on the mind. These manifestations may include depression, memory loss, frustration, irritability and lack of concentration among others.

Then there is the psychological stress which is as a result of prolonged stress. This may lead to developing phobias, eating disorder, withdrawal, obsessive behavior and even terrors at night.

Causes and responses to stress

There are numerous causes of stress in the day-to-day life of individuals and ideally it is almost impossible to classify all the sources of stress. However, there is a summary of the responses to stress and this will depend on the causes of the stresses (breastcanceersite, 2010). The responses can be classified as short-term, delayed and prolonged responses to stress.

The short-term response also referred to as acute stress which is basically a fight or flight reaction. The causes for such short-term stress response include pang of hunger, an interview for a longed for job, a highly regarded class or course examination, some short illnesses, or a thin miss of an accident that almost happened.

The delayed response is also referred to as post traumatic stress disorder. It is a response caused by a stress that leaves the victim feeling helpless and can be caused by civil strife, physical attack like rape, death of close relatives or friends, destruction due to natural calamities and so forth.

The third type of response is the prolonged response also referred to as chronic stress which is a response to a trigger that is unrelenting or repetitive that can be caused by work related situation, the domestic stress, unsolved financial stress and such prolonged triggers.