Stress, especially in our society, is a normal part of the human experience. Many of us live fast paced lives filled with work, long commutes, family dynamics and other factors that can be rewarding, but also stress inducing. Stress has a number of negative effects on our lives, including causing lack of sleep, decreased immune system functioning, and can ultimately lead to a shorter life span. Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction may also be attributed to stress and other urologic diseases. If this is something you’re dealing with, you should consult an ED Doctor about the available treatment options such as prostate cancer treatment or ed treatment. While many of us understand and can identify the experience of stress, you may be surprised to find that the American Psychological Association (APA) has broken down stress into three subtypes. In this article, we’ll break down each “type” of stress. It’s important to know that the more we can understand something, the better we can overcome it. Being able to identify the type of stress we are experiencing can enhance our ability to work through it.
Acute stress is the first type of stress we will be discussing. This refers to a lower-grade stress that might come from instances that were not necessarily life-altering or traumatic, but still elicited a strong response from us. An example of acute stress could be forgetting to complete an assignment on time or running late to work. The stress response to these situations could include psychological symptoms of anxiety or irritability, or even physical symptoms like stomach pain or headaches. Ideal coping mechanisms for acute stress include taking time to do deep breathing exercises or other quick relaxation techniques.
Episodic acute stress tends to have a stronger effect on the body. This type of stress refers to a longer-term experience as a result of multiple life stressors. An example of this type of stress would be someone working in an environment that had constant tight deadlines they were afraid to miss. Episodic acute stress may initially feel like acute stress but tends to last longer and can result in clinical depression or even physical illness. The best way to work through this kind of stress could include talking to a therapist or taking time to engage in physical exercise. When people experience this type of stress, they may feel tempted to lean on negative coping skills such as overeating or substance use. If you find yourself in a situation like this, it’s important to consult a therapist for help.
Chronic stress is the most serious form of stress. It results from significant life problems that are potentially traumatic. This includes poverty, starvation, or serious illness. Individuals with a childhood history of trauma may experience chronic stress as a result. Chronic stress can contribute to serious illness and a number of mental health concerns. Individuals with this experience may want to consult with a medical doctor and psychologist for treatment recommendations.
Taking time to evaluate our own stress and our physical and mental response to life stressors can help us identify the type of stress we are experiencing, and how to best treat it. Additionally, it can help us understand the experiences of stress for those who are close to us and gain more empathy for others.