6 Different Types of Stress You Should Know

In a fast-paced and competitive world, stress can not be avoided. Stress is the body's natural response to a particular situation. Stress can come from various sources, such as a busy work schedule, the loss of a loved one or a problematic relationship. Regardless of the source of stress, stress can always be managed with lifestyle changes, and changes in how we perceive a particular stressor.

For example, job-related changes can be felt by some as an opportunity to learn new things, while others may feel anxious because they have to learn new things and face new challenges. So our reaction to stressors depends largely on how we interpret them. Stress can be 'good' or 'bad', even though the term 'stress' is usually used as a negative connotation. Apart from the stress of good and bad, there are several types of stress.

Different Types of Stress

1. Eustress
Eustress is stress in a positive form. It is a good stress that can stimulate someone to do things better. A person can feel a certain situation, like a new job, or meet his or her idol. This type of stress is referred to as an eustress, and is physically and psychologically harmless. Conversely, this type of stress can have a positive effect on individual health and performance, at least in the short term.

2. Distress
Distress, or what we commonly call stress, is a type of stress that has a negative effect on physical and emotional health. Distress often produces intense emotion, such as anger, fear, and anxiety or panic. Sometimes, pressure can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure.

Distress or 'bad stress' can then be classified into three types - acute distress, episodic acute disorder, and chronic sufferers.

3. Acute distress
Acute distress is the most common type of stress that comes suddenly, making us frightened and confused. Although acute stress lasts only for a short period of time. Acute stress often results in a 'run or fight' reaction. A job interview, or an exam where we are not quite ready are some examples that can cause acute stress. The symptoms of acute stress can be easily identified. These symptoms may include emotional distress, headache, migraine, increased heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, and excessive sweating.

4. Acute Episodic Distress
The term 'acute episodic stress' is commonly used for situations where acute stress is the norm. Thus, acute episodic disorders are characterized by frequent acute stress. People have this type of stress often find themselves struggling to organize their lives and often place unnecessary demands and pressure on themselves, which can ultimately lead to anxiety and irritability.

People suffering from acute episodic disorders are always in a hurry. This type of stress can cause work-related problems, in addition to the worsening of interpersonal relationships. The most common symptoms of acute episodic stress are irritability, persistent headaches, tension, migraine, hypertension, and chest pain.

5. Chronic Distress
Chronic distress is a stress that lasts for a long time. Chronic stress usually originates in an uncontrollable state. Poverty, feelings of being trapped in disgusting careers, troubled relationships, and childhood trauma experiences are some examples of events or circumstances that can cause chronic stress.

Chronic stress often causes feelings of despair and misery, and can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Mental and physical fatigue due to chronic stress can sometimes lead to health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause depression, violence, and suicide in extreme cases. Perhaps the worst aspect of chronic stress is that people get used to this type of stress, and so are often ignored or treated as a way of life. Treating chronic stress is not easy, usually requires medical care and stress management techniques.

Sometimes stress or distress is classified into several other categories, such as physical, chemical, emotional, mental, traumatic, and psycho-spiritual. Dr Karl Albrecht, a management consultant, lecturer, and author has defined four types of stress in his book, 'Stress and Manager'. The four types of stress are known as time stress, anticipatory stress, situational stress, and stress encounter.

6. Time Stress
Time stress is the stress experienced when we walk short or have a lot of things to do within a certain period of time. Anticipatory stress is the stress we experience about the future. Situational stress is usually caused by a frightening situation that is beyond our control. On the other hand, when we feel anxious about meeting and interacting with a particular person or group of people, it is called an encounter of stress.

Stress is divided into several types, and thus treatment and management can be quite different. The first step of stress management is to identify the types of stress experienced, as well as the types of stress (events and thoughts) that create stress. Once we have identified certain stresses, we can take appropriate action to control or regulate them. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques, along with a positive attitude toward life can help in controlling stress. But sometimes, professional help may be needed to eliminate or control the factors that trigger stress.