INTRODUCTION

What is stress?

Life is dynamic. There is a constant change in the various aspects of life which demand a corresponding reaction. Stress is our body's natural response to cope with these demands.

Stress in the modern world scenario is mainly a result of continuous high demands imposed on us by occupation, family and lifestyle, or that we impose on ourselves due to high ambition, irrational thinking or misperception.

Contrary to the common belief that stress is always bad, manageable levels of stress for reasonable durations acts as a motivational force and is accompanied by  positive emotions like enjoyment, excitement, satisfaction and a sense of identity. Such optimum level of stress is referred to as eustress or good stress (In Greek eu- stands for good).

An overload of stress is harmful and can affect physical and mental well-being. Such levels of stress if continued for a long duration can lead to numerous mind - body disorders. This type of stress is called dystress or bad stress (In Greek dys- stands for bad).

Types

Occupational / Job stress:
Job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US Department of Health and Human Services).

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Family stress:
Family stress can be defined as a real or imagined imbalance between the demands on the family and the family's ability to meet those demands.

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Stress due to irrational thinking

Education / Career stress

Financial stress:
Serious financial difficulties can lead to a lot of dystress. Financial worries may stem from a salary too low to meet the daily lifestyle necessities, any family member losing a job leading to a reduction in the total family income. Financial stress may also be triggered by unplanned expenses, excessive debts or sudden unexpected expenditures like heavy medical bills, sudden repair and maintenance of property etc.

Physiological stress

Post traumatic stress

Child stress