Stress: Analysis and Discussion - Research Paper Example

Stress threatens human life with ailments ranging from mere headaches to heart attacks and diabetes. Therefore I have decided to explore this topic in order to better understand and explain stress and its impact on human life and events. Defining Stress Stress is physical response originated in reaction to perceived threat. Stress can take various forms ranging from emotional to physical and its degree can vary with its nature. The connotation of stress is not always negative, controlled and small amounts of stress instigate sense of achievement and motivate a person to work towards fulfilling the desired goal.

It is the uncontrollable stress that causes irreparable damage to human body and mind resulting in stress related disorder which nowadays account for more than ninety percent of medical problems. Biologically speaking when we feel a threat lingering around us our body responds like a loyal servant by releasing stress hormones, which prepare the body for the emergency action. The whole body becomes alert like an army protecting its country, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing increases and senses sharpen.

These changes increase the energy raising it above the routine level thus enhancing focus and preparing us for the stress response i.e. the fight or flight reaction. So the person in stress saves himself either by fighting the danger or by fleeing from an emergency situation. For example, a person falling will try to grab the nearest support to avoid a crash but if a person sees a fire breaking out then his immediate response will be fleeing the scene to save him from the fire. Factor of Stress - Stressors The factors that cause stress are known as Stressors, they are the events, change or threats that are perceived by a person triggering the stress response.

These stressors can be internal factors like the beliefs, thoughts or attitude towards something which is all in the person’s mind or external like a tragedy, loss or physical ailments and accidents. So stress in a person’s life can be the result of past events of his life or the present conditions of his surroundings. Stress can be work related, family oriented or simple personal. “In search for sources of stress, considerable interest has been directed to life events and to chronic life strains.

(Pearlin, Menaghan, Morton & Joseph, 1981) Levels of Stress – Eustress & Distress Among the two generic forms of stress Eustress is the stress that is positive and healthy, generating positive vibes, and feelings of fulfilment and a sense of achievement. Continuous and unresolved stress which results in negativity and anxiety is known as Distress. It is the negative stress that is either too high or too low to be managed by the mind and body resulting in a negative response, depression and other chronic ailments.

Managing Stress Managing stress and using it to one’s advantage is the key to successful dealing with stress and its outcomes. Stress effects people differently and should be looked at individually. A person should know his stress level and should not let it get out of hand. There are many signs and symptoms showcasing the stress and its toll on the mind, body and behaviour. The symptoms range from cognitive, emotional, physical and behaviour. In recognizing unhealthy stress family and close friends could also be of help and provide the needed support required at that point.

It is very important to fight the high levels of stress and