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stress and distressStress can be defined as any demand or change that the human system (mind, body and spirit) is required to meet or respond to. Stress is therefore part of everyday life. Blood circulation, walking, eating, talking and even playing are what we call “normal stressors”. Experts differentiate between ACUTE STRESS and CHRONIC STRESS. Within each type of stress (acute vs. chronic), the level of stress is evaluated by considering its frequency, duration and intensity. ACUTE STRESS refers to our body"s reaction to a threat to our wellbeing, be it physical or psychological. Acute stress prepares the body to protect itself, and represents a survival function. CHRONIC STRESS (also referred to as CUMULATIVE STRESS) describes stress which builds up, often unrecognised, over a period of time. Chronic stress can easily become distress when it occurs too often, lasts too long and is too severe. It is important to note that what is distressful for one person may not necessarily be distressful for another. Your individual perception, i.e. the degree of threat you feel and the amount of control you have over the circumstances, can effect the degree of distress you personally experience. We know from stress research that the single most stressful experience most people have is to feel that they cannot control their circumstances. The factors that influence your perception and management of distress are many and varied. They may include:
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