Peculiarities of the impact of stress on physical and psychological health

Abstract

The article explores the nuances surrounding the concept of stress and examines its effects on the human body from both physical and psychological perspectives. Stress can manifest in two distinct forms, namely eustress and distress, encompassing processes involving stimulation, evaluation, and subsequent reactions. This study provides an overview of the diverse types of stress, classified into three levels based on their severity: mild, moderate, and severe. A focal point of the investigation is stressors, which represent factors perceived by individuals as excessive demands, leading to corresponding emotional reactions often accompanied by varying levels of anxiety. These stressors comprise events that hold subjective significance for a person, eliciting a cascade of physiological reactions while the individual is devoid of relative emotional tranquility. The article delves into the different categories of stressors, describing the various factors contributing to psychological or emotional stress. Furthermore, it outlines three levels of changes caused by stressors. Stress is presented as a multi-phased process, characterized by the anxiety phase, resistance phase, and exhaustion phase, accompanied by intricate biochemical responses. The study also provides a comprehensive overview of the repercussions of stress on the major body systems and the overall psychological well-being of an individual. Emphasis is placed on the structure and significance of stress resistance development, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. Given the prevailing prevalence of stress and heightened mental pressure in contemporary Ukrainian society, the issue of stress assumes substantial importance in the present era.