Recognizing Stress - Exploring Its Various Forms
Workplace stress is the reaction that individuals have when some types of work demands do not suit their capacities and knowledge, or when work pressures exceed one’s ability to handle it effectively (Semmer, 2007).
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress is classified into three categories of acute, episodic and chronic. The types of stress in psychology include acute, chronic, or episodic.
Below are the three main types of stress.
01. Acute stress
Acute stress often proceeds from reactive thinking for events that have recently happened, or upcoming challenges and needs and it is a natural process we experience as we try new things, grow, learn, and adjust.
Our minds extend acute stress. You might benefit from learning techniques to calm your mind. However, acute stress can be concerning and negatively impact your health.
Symptoms of acute stress may include:
- Faster heart rate and breathing rate
- Increased perspiration and irritability
- Having no or reduced memory of a traumatic event
- Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the traumatic event
- Hyperarousal, focus, and energy as blood rushes to your muscles, heart, and organs
- Having distressing thoughts, sleep difficulties, dreams, and nightmares
- Having difficulty focusing your attention
02. Episodic acute stress
Episodic acute stress refers to frequent, consistent,
intermittent, or regular stress. This happens when people frequently suffer
stress or people who face frequent triggers of stress. This often founds in
people who feel the pressure of overload work, take on too many responsibilities,
and make unrealistic demands or targets and unreasonable goals that exceed
their ability to perform it on time.
This type of stress can occur with one-time or
consecutive stressors, such as worrying about a past negative experience or getting
stressed over potential future events. In modern life, people often can’t take
big, immediate actions to solve problems. Instead, we can take small steps that
build up over time.
Symptoms of episodic acute stress may include.
- Increased heart rate or Panic attacks
- Feeling irritable and angry
- Frequent headaches
- Heartburn and indigestion
- High blood pressure, muscle pain and tightness, heart disease
This is the opposite of acute
stress. Chronic stress is the most dangerous and most harmful type of stress.
It happens when people have serious and long-term problems such as their life
being out of control and give up looking for solutions. It can cause adverse
effects on both physical health and mental health (Felman, 2017). Chronic
stress may cause chronic and acute serious illness.
Individual characteristics may make some people more vulnerable to chronic stress, such as being prone to mood swings or high neuroticism. Those with low self-esteem or fears of the unknown may be a reason towards catastrophic thinking, increasing their risk for long-term stress.
Symptoms of chronic stress may include:
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, higher risk of stroke and heart attack and diabetes
- Weakened immune system, nausea and digestive problems, including vomiting
- Low sex drive, Fertility and reproductive issues
- Memory problems and difficulties concentrating, Anxiety, Depression
- Difficulty handling daily responsibilities at work, home, and in your personal life
- Negative thinking, feeling agitated, helpless, or hopeless, irritability
- Emotional lability, low self-confidence, Substance use and abuse
REFERENCES
Cleveland Clinic. (2015). Stress. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress.
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2016). Stress. Retrieved from: https://cmha.ca/documents/stress.
Kandola, A. (2018). What are the health effects of chronic stress? Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323324.
Ibrahim, A.R., Imtiaz, G., Mujtaba, B.G., Vo, X.V. & Ahmed, Z.U. (2020). Operational Excellence through Lean Manufacturing: Considerations for Productivity Management in Malaysia’s Construction Industry. Journal of Transnational Management, 25(3), 1-32. DOI: 10.1080/15475778.2020.1749809.
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DeleteBlog acknowledged that individual factors can influence how people respond to stress & the importance of effective coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise, in managing stress.
ReplyDeleteIt delves into the subject matter, providing a comprehensive analysis
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you found the tips practical and easy to implement. It’s great to hear that the focus on relaxation and mindfulness resonated with you. In today’s busy world, finding moments of calm can make a big difference. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the exploration of stress and its different manifestations helpful. Recognizing the various forms of stress—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—really is key to managing it more effectively, both for ourselves and in supporting others. I appreciate your kind words and your contribution to this important conversation!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the article helpful in understanding the different stress categories. Self-examination is indeed a key step in recognizing the type of stress we’re experiencing, and from there, we can explore specific strategies to manage it. Stress affects everyone differently, so understanding the underlying causes is essential in finding effective ways to cope. I appreciate your input, and I hope this information can encourage more people to take proactive steps towards reducing stress in their lives!
DeleteIn describing Episodic cute stress - what does it mean when you " People in modern times can't take big steps."? So I see that the article is giveing us a clear idea of different types of stress and how do we recognise we have a particular type of stress through the syptoms given.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful comment! To clarify, when the article mentions that "people in modern times can't take big steps," it’s referring to the way many people in today’s fast-paced world may feel overwhelmed by the pressures and responsibilities of daily life, which can make it difficult to take bold, significant actions. Instead, they may find themselves stuck in a cycle of small, reactive steps, leading to episodic stress. It’s great to hear that the article helped you understand the different types of stress and how recognizing the symptoms can be an important step in managing it. I appreciate your engagement with the content!
DeleteThis is really an interesting article. Very valuable details for me also. I was unaware about these facts until I read this. thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you found the article interesting and valuable. It’s great to hear that it helped shed light on some new information. If you ever have any more questions or thoughts on the topic, feel free to reach out. Thanks again for reading and engaging with the content!
DeleteA well written article which discuss the causes for stress and provides practical advice for dealing with it efficiently. Good job !!!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful comment! I completely agree that stress in the workplace is an unavoidable challenge, and recognizing it early is key to preventing more serious consequences. By understanding the triggers and implementing proactive strategies, we can not only safeguard our well-being but also maintain our productivity and overall work satisfaction. It's all about creating a culture where stress management is prioritized, and everyone feels empowered to address it before it escalates. Thanks again for sharing your perspective!
DeleteThis article outlines the three main types of stress—acute, episodic, and chronic—highlighting their causes, symptoms, and potential impacts on health. Understanding these stress types can help identify and manage stress more effectively, especially in the workplace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the article helpful. It's true that when we shift our perspective and view stress as a potential motivator, it can drive performance and creativity in a positive way. Developing effective stress management techniques, like prioritizing tasks or practicing mindfulness, not only helps individuals stay productive but also enhances overall well-being. When organizations encourage this mindset, they create an environment where employees can thrive, even under pressure. Appreciate your insights!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful feedback! I'm glad you found the breakdown of the different types of stress helpful. Understanding the distinctions between acute, episodic, and chronic stress is key to managing them effectively, and it's great to hear that the examples and practical tips resonated with you. I agree that recognizing the signs early on and taking proactive steps can make a big difference in maintaining overall well-being. Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts!
DeleteRecognizing stress in its various forms is crucial for understanding how it affects us physically, emotionally, and mentally. By identifying the different ways stress manifests, we can better manage it and take proactive steps to reduce its impact, ultimately leading to better well-being and productivity.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Recognizing stress in its various forms is the first step toward effectively managing it. It’s so easy to overlook how stress can show up in physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue, emotional reactions like irritability, or even mental blocks that reduce focus and productivity. Once we understand these signs, we can take a more holistic approach to stress management—whether it's through mindfulness, exercise, or simply taking breaks to recharge. By addressing stress early, we can protect our well-being and perform at our best in both personal and professional settings. Thanks for shedding light on this important topic
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