Stress, a Great Impact on Mental Health

Abstract

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Every human being has his own understanding of stress. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. The types of Stress are Acute Stress and Chronic Stress. Acute Stress is the body’s quick reaction to a new and challenging situation whereas chronic stress is Long-term stress experienced for an extended period which can create a negative impact on a person’s health. Things that cause stress are “stressors,” and stress is the personal reaction to that stressors. A number of scientists classified stressors as Biological Stressors, Psychological Stressors, Acute Stressors, Chronic Stressors, Environmental Stressors, Internal Stressors and Psychosocial Stressors. Stress is influenced by internal and external factors of a person. Stress causes different types of impacts on the physical body. Stress has negative consequences on various aspects of quality of life. Chronic stress can lead to or exacerbate mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, cognitive (thinking) problems, personality changes, and problem behaviours. Stress management techniques help to reduce stress. Understanding the sources of stress provides opportunities for planning interventions that would reduce the stressors.