What is Stress?

Well - that depends on the context the term is being used in. The word "stress" suggests pressure exerted, tension and failure of materials in some contexts.

So how would you describe stress? Perhaps you'd describe it as

• a normal set of physiological responses to hostile or dangerous circumstances
• being overloaded with more work that you can cope with
• being emotionally pressured or otherwise bullied
  
• feeling powerless in your day to day life
• .........
  

In general what would be thought of as a perfectly normal, even desirable set of reactions if faced with a temporary life-threatening situation can become a problem if they occur frequently or for a prolonged period causing all sorts of nasty symptoms affecting all aspects of normal day-to-day living.

Causes of stress.

There are many different causes of stress -

 Any life changing event or even potentially life changing event can cause a stress response. For example:

• marriage
• divorce
• birth of a child
• death of a loved one
• new job
• redundancy
  
• child leaving to go to university 
• moving home
• puberty
• menopause
• assault
  
• ....... and many more
  

From the list above it's obvious that life is full of stressful events. So it is to be expected that we will all experience the symptoms of stress at some time in life.

Most people turn to family and friends for support at these times and if symptoms are severe or prolonged many will turn to their GP for assistance with specific symptoms.

Some traumatic events can trigger stress symptoms many weeks after the initial trauma. This can last many months and symptoms can crop up at any time. This is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Police, and emergency services workers and those who by the nature of their work are attending horrific accidents and may often feel powerless to help are more likely to be affected by this disorder although it can affect anyone.  The Royal College of Psychiatrists has some excellent guidance on PSTD. Click  here to find out more.

Then of course there are common sources of stress not necessarily relating to family life:-

• work related issues
  
• staff are pressurised either by the volume of work or by deadlines
  
• given work to do which it is impossible for them to perform competently due to lack of training
• workplace bullying
• exam stress
• unrealistic expectations
  
• worry about the future
• stress related to appearance
• pace of life today - difficulties in travelling - road rage
• being on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour
  

 

Symptoms of Stress

When stress occurs it affects both physical and mental health.


Useful links for more information on stress:-

Samaritans : on managing stress, exam stress, signs of stress, workplace stress

HSE Executive:  on workplace stress

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Royal College of Psychiatrists