3 Types of Stress and Health Hazards

Stress Anxiety

Stress is a feeling that people have when they are struggling to cope with challenges related to finances, work, relationships, environment, and other situations. Moreover, stress is felt when an individual perceives a real or imagined challenge or threat to a their well-being. People often use the word stress interchangeably with anxiety, feeling anxious, fearful, nervous, overwhelmed, panic, or stressed-out.

Stress is the body’s natural defense against real or imagined danger. It flushes the body with hormones to prepare systems to evade or confront danger. This is known as the “fight-or-flight or freeze” response.

The body is an intelligent operating system, but the body can not determine the difference between life threatening external threat from imagined or perceived non-life threatening stressors.  The body reacts the same either way.  The body produces significantly greater quantities of the chemicals cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. The Neurobiology of stress is a complex operating mechanism.

According to American Psychological Association (APA), there are 3 different types stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress. The 3 types of stress each have their own characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches.

Stress management can be complicated because each of the 3 different types of stress can present as single, repeated, complicated, or chronic. Therefore, they require different levels of treatment interventions, management, and psychological treatment modalities due to the nature of the person’s environment, lifestyle, developmental history, coping resources, and personality.

ACUTE STRESS 

Acute stress is usually brief. It is the most common and frequent presentation. Acute stress is most often caused by reactive thinking. Negative thoughts predominate about situations or events that have recently occurred, or upcoming situations, events, or demands in the near future.

For example, if you have recently been involved in an argument, you may have acute stress related to negative thoughts that are repetitive about the argument. Or you may have acute stress that is about an upcoming work deadline, again the stress is thought induced. However, most often when the thinking induced stress is reduced or removed the stress will subside too. However, if the stress meets DSM-5 criteria, then individual may be diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress causes signs and symptoms in the body + brain + emotions, but does not cause the significant amount of damage as Episodic Stress and Chronic stress.

Short-term Effects of Acute Stress

The most common signs + symptoms:

    • Transient Emotional distress — some combination of anger or irritability, anxiety and depression.
    • Transient Muscular distress—tension, headache, back pain, neck pain, jaw pain, and other muscular tensions that lead to pulled muscles and tendons and ligament problems.
    • Transient stomach, gut and bowel problems, heartburn, acid stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation.
  • Transient hyperarousal—elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, rapid pulse, sweaty palms, heart palpitations, dizziness, migraine headaches, cold hands or feet, shortness of breath, sleep problems, and chest pain.
Acute stress can present in anyone’s life.
It is highly treatable and manageable.
However, repeated acute stress can become very harmful for your physical and mental health.

EPISODIC ACUTE STRESS  

People who frequently experience acute stress, or whose lives present with frequent triggers of stress, have episodic acute stress.

The individuals who frequently suffer acute stress often live a life of chaos and crisis. They are always in a rush or feel pressured. They take on many responsibilities, and usually can not stay organized with so many time demands. These individuals are perpetually in the grips of acute stress overload.

There are 2 main personality types that frequently present with Episodic Acute Stress: 1) “Type A” personality 2) The “Worrier”

“Type A” personality:  Type A personality have an excessive competitive drive, aggressiveness, impatience, abrupt, and a sense of time urgency. In addition, Type A personality presents as reactive with hostility, and almost always a deep-seated insecurity about performance. These personality traits create frequent episodes of acute stress for the Type A individual. The cardiologists, Friedman and Rosenman found Type A’s to be significantly likely to develop coronary heart disease.

The “Worrier”:  The Worrier presents with almost incessant negative thoughts causing episodic acute stress on physical and mental health. “Worry warts” project probable disaster and negatively forecast catastrophe in almost every situation. They have core beliefs that the world is a dangerous, unrewarding, punitive place where something awful is always about to happen. These negative binge thinkers also tend to be over aroused and tense, but are more anxious and depressed than angry and hostile. Their thoughts are frequently filled with “What if….” statements that are with projected negative outcomes. They are often diagnosed DSM-5 with generalized anxiety disorder. 

Episodic Effects of Acute Stress

The most common signs + symptoms are similar to acute stress, but due to the extended frequent over arousal or extended hyperarousal there is ongoing damage and suffering.

  • Emotional distress —anger or irritability, anxiety and depression, short-tempered, impatient, tense.
  • Cognitive distress: compromised attention/concentration, compromised processing speed, compromised new learning and new learning memory consolidation and retrieval, and mental fatigue.
  • Interpersonal relationships deteriorate, The workplace becomes a very stressful place for them.
  • Muscular distress—tension, headache, back pain, jaw pain, pulled muscles, tendons, and ligament problems.
  • Stomach, gut, bowel problems, heartburn, acid stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • High blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, heart palpitations, dizziness, migraine headaches, cold hands or feet, shortness of breath, insomnia, chest pain, and heart disease.
  • Immune System Compromise: frequent colds/flu, allergies, asthma, and other immune system compromise illnesses.
Episodic acute stress leads to more pronounced health issues such as, high blood pressure and heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Treatment for Episodic Acute Stress

Episodic acute stress requires intervention on a many levels. The treatment requires professional help spanning many months.

Most often the lifestyle and personality characteristics are so ingrained and habitual that these individuals may see nothing wrong with the way they conduct their lives. It is common for these individuals to blame their problems on other people and external events. Frequently, they see their lifestyle patterns, and their patterns of interacting with others, and their ways of perceiving the world as an essential or integral component of their personality and therefore are often resistant to seek professional psychological help.

These individuals can be very resistant to change their behaviors and thinking patterns. It is common for these individuals to only seek psychological treatment when physical pains and discomforts become too much.

CHRONIC STRESS

Chronic stress is the most harmful type of stress. If chronic stress is left untreated over a long period of time, it can significantly and often irreversibly damage your physical health and deteriorate your mental health.

For example, long term poverty, repeated abuse in any form, unemployment, dysfunctional family, poor work environment, substance abuse, or an unhappy marriage can cause significant chronic stress.

Chronic stress can also set in when an individual feels hopeless, does not see an escape from the cause of stress, and gives up on seeking solutions.

Chronic stress can be caused by a aversive experiences in childhood or traumatic experiences later in life.

When an individual lives with chronic stress, his/her behavioral actions and emotional reactions become ingrained. There is  change in the hardwiring of the neurobiology of the brain and body. There by making them constantly prone to the hazardous stress effects on the body + mind+ cognitive regardless of the scenarios.

People with chronic stress have the list of signs and symptoms previously mentioned, but the signs and symptoms are chronic and can result in a physical and mental breakdown that can lead to suicide, violent actions, homicide, psychosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Chronic stress is grinding stress.  It wears people away day after day, year after year. Chronic stress destroys lives, bodies, and minds. It wreaks havoc through long-term attrition. It is the stress of poverty, dysfunctional families, violence,  abuse, trauma, despised job, ethnic rivalry, war.

Treatment for Chronic Stress  

When a person never sees a way out of a miserable situation, feels anxiety of unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time. With no hope, the individual gives up searching for solutions.

Some chronic stressors or triggers stem from traumatic early childhood experiences that become internalized and remain forever painful and present. Early childhood experiences profoundly affect personality; often resulting in core belief systems that are created by causes of unending stress for the individual (e.g., the world is a threatening place, you must be perfect at all times). When personality or deep-seated convictions and beliefs must be reformulated, recovery requires active self-examination with professional psychological help. Good news is psychological treatment is very effective.

The worst variable of chronic stress is that some people habituate to it. They almost forget it is there. In some ways, one could say it is an adaptation in the form of a ultimate psychological defense mechanism. People are immediately aware of acute stress because it is new. However, individuals with chronic stress frequently ignore all of the signs and symptoms because it is old, familiar, and also because often they feel helpless and hopeless.

Chronic stress kills through suicide, violence, homicide, heart attack, stroke and, perhaps, even cancer. People wear down to a final, fatal breakdown. Their physical and mental resources are depleted through long-term attrition. The signs and symptoms of chronic stress are difficult to treat, but not impossible to treat.

People with Chronic Stress require extended medical and psychological treatment that includes behavioral and stress management.

How we react to a difficult situation will affect how stress affects our life and our physical and mental health. A person who feels they do not have enough resources to cope will be more likely to have a stronger reaction that triggers significant physical and mental health problems. It is paramount to remember that the mind and body are connected — meaning that psychological factors affect how a person feels physically and the longevity of the body.

A persistently negative response to challenges can have a detrimental effect on mind + body + emotions.  However, being aware of how you react to stressors and seeking professional help can help reduce the negative feelings and effects of stress, and to manage it more effectively.

Get help.  If you continue to feel stress, anxious, overwhelmed, panic, stressed-out, then consult with a licensed clinical psychologist who can help you learn how to manage stress effectively. He or she can help you identify situations, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to your stress and anxiety.  Treatment will involve developing  an action plan to get you healthy.  Your health depends on your environment, body, mind, thoughts, and emotions.  

Interested in learning more about Stress? Check out the following articles on my website: Click Links below. 

Stress the Ultimate Cause of Illness 

PsychoNeuroBiology of Stress

Stress and Autoimmune Disease 

Nervous Breakdown 

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Peace, Dr. Freshwater

Shawna Freshwater, PhD

Shawna Freshwater, PhD

Hi, I am Dr. Shawna Freshwater, a PhD licensed Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Holistic Practitioner. ** I provide Psychotherapy, Coaching, Healing, Diagnostic testing & Mental Health Check-ups. ** I meet the needs of my patients and clients that are confidential and convenient to their schedule. ** I offer Remote / Online secure interactive video conferencing to USA residents and International clients. ** I also provide Concierge services at your home, office, or private location of your choice if you reside in South Florida Major Cities. ***Please see my website for more information about my credentials and areas of expertise. www.SpaciousTherapy.com Thank you. Dr. Freshwater

26 Comments

  1. Cindy on May 10, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    I gained a WEALTH of knowledge from your website. Through your information I was able to characterize many of my responses to an extremely stressful situation in my life for over three and a half years. My legal battle with the Commonwealth of Kentucky over my right to drive has cost me $16,100 to date, with an outstanding balance to my attorney’s office of over $76,000. I continue to win my case at each level, and FINALLY got my license back which was unconstitutionally suspended on June 30th, 2016. I walked two YEARS and four months in Frankfort, KY, but the case still is not over, so THANK YOU! I think I could be a “poster child” for your website, and a source of hope for others. I have experienced all four levels of stress over the last four years, but actually think I experienced all four of them in one day–that was scary! Thank you again for the information contained in your website. I’m thankful for the Word of God that has given me the HOPE I need and the strength necessary to persevere through this very long battle that I intend on winning. Cindy

    P.S. I only make $26,000 a year, but God is my source!

  2. Greg on May 31, 2019 at 2:16 am

    Great job with this article!

    You have definitely provided a lot of great and valuable information. I can put myself in each level over the last 5 years of my life.

    I am a “worry wort” for what reason, I really don’t know because it usually causes more issues for myself and my life. To think health is so important to me but how I live myself most of the time is so unhealthy, is truly crazy.

    Life became extremely important to me since April 2010 with the loss of my father to pancreatic cancer and then the loss of my mother to lung cancer in April 2016. These are both eye opening events in my life which made me realize how important life was to me. On the flip side, what these have really done is caused me to worry more and more about physical feelings I might feel until I understand what the cause is.

    This is enough to drive a person crazy!

    On a positive side, in the last few years I have learned so much about health and started to invest time and a business in natural health.

    I am also a person that often lets my beliefs control my actions, this has and continues to cause many issues for me. To think I am so much about about a healthier life but I am so often pushing beliefs on others which are actually causing health issues for me.

    I hope you don’t mind me sharing something which I discovered in October 2018.

    I have suffered for many years with back related issues and sciatica nerve issues. In April 2016 while my mother was dying of cancer I struggled to walk PERIOD! I was actually using a cane or office chair within my apartment to get around. Fast Forward to today, I am now walking several hours per day with no pain.

    What did I learn that changed my life in regards to walking?

    To start, I learned how powerful our mind can be. I learned that is very possible for our mind to control pain. While our pain is real, what was causing my pain was my mind. This is an education that started with Dr. John E Sarno and led me to a free online program produced by a pain specialists called, Alan Gordon. I learned about something called, TMS. This program changed my life regarding my walking but also helped me realize how my mind has controlled many things in my life. The real challenge is, TMS has clearly played a huge part in my life for many years, it is a real challenge to deal with this on an ongoing basis.

    Thank you for your amazing article!

    It has helped open my eyes and hopefully I can change my attitude towards certain aspects of my life to help better my health.

    Greg

  3. Murtaza K. on July 12, 2019 at 9:17 am

    The information given by you was amazing. It was in short and easy to understand. It will help every body to improve their lifestyle and create a peaceful atmosphere with their fellow beings. If a small explanation on Meditation was included in this subject it would have been more informative. I personally believe Meditation is the foremost solution in removing or reducing stress. Keep it up and Thank you.

    • Shawna Freshwater, PhD on July 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      Hello Murtaza,
      Thank you for your comment. I am in complete agreement with you on meditation. I personally meditate and practice mindfulness for 25-years. I have published scientific peer review articles on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. Also, on my website, I have posted many articles on understanding the effects of stress (Biological,Emotional,Social, Chemical) and the stress response cycle, in addition, to other articles with emphasis on the How To of meditation, and scientific changes (i.e. benefits of meditation) on all functional systems, in particular the BrainBody holistic functional systems. Namaste, Dr. Shawna Freshwater

      • Ntiranyibagirwa Marie Grace on July 25, 2019 at 4:54 pm

        Hello, l think l have one of these type of stress and where l am, l cant find help from a psychologist easily. I have read this article and i really want to go out of this stress. i have strong headache, i have taken a million of varieties of pain killers and l forgot a lot and this is messing up my job, my studies and social interaction and generally my entire life. SO if you say MEDITATION l do not understand what exactly l m supposed to meditate about and l kindly need more help about my situation.

  4. david on November 3, 2019 at 10:19 am

    which food i can eat ,free from that problems..of stress

  5. Musa H. on November 14, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    This is exactly what am suffering from…
    For now more than a decade have been going to different hospitals. All they are giving me is nothing but DF, Arthrotec & proxicam that give me a temporary relief.
    Your write-up is going to be helpful Dr.
    We really appreciate

  6. Kayonni Castro on November 20, 2019 at 12:59 am

    Subject Line: Conducting Research on the causes and effects of stress

    Good morning Shawna Freshwater,

    I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out today because I am conducting research for my 8th grade Exhibition Project on the topic of stress. While I was conducting research for this topic I came across your website. I see that your organization focuses on supporting and helping people become aware of the types of stress and how bad they can actually be.
    I would like to learn more about the way your organization supports people who have stress. I would also like to take the time to ask you a few questions regarding how your organization works.
    Do you have appointments with teenagers ?
    What age is more acceptable to the types of stress?
    Do you believe anxiety might be a cause of stress?
    If possible would it be acceptable if I may have an in person interview. Thank you for taking the time to support me in my research. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,
    Kayonni Castro
    Rolling Hills Middle School

  7. Amit C on March 14, 2020 at 5:13 am

    Without knowing your type of stress you could not overcome it. Thanks for this.

  8. Mubirigi M. on March 15, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Really i have learnt alot about stress and am contented with it

  9. Zulaka De Waal on April 17, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    Zulaka De Waal I have started having on and off serious panic attacks and migraines. My migraines I become extreme noise and light sensitive. I desperately need a holistic treatment

  10. Amit C. on April 22, 2020 at 6:03 am

    This is an amazing article. With clear knowledge. Thanks

  11. mind transformer on August 13, 2020 at 4:34 am

    I always look forward to your post, you always seem to be able to find a way to make every time interesting and full of fresh content. i also write on

    stress management

  12. Amie l. on November 11, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I need serious help i think i am both Episodic Acute Stress and chronic stresd

  13. Away I. on April 26, 2021 at 10:43 am

    Thanks for this article, I am a patient of stress, I wish I could get more of this articles to get more doses of your wealth of expertise.

  14. individual therapy on September 13, 2021 at 7:31 am

    Thanks for sahring such an amazing and helpful blog. you amazingly described all the things which are helpful for those who are trying to know things about stress.

  15. Tengwengkee on March 17, 2022 at 10:49 pm

    Chronic stress was an eye opener that I have a chance to witness on my family member. Handling it tactfully is really a challenge.

  16. Teng Weng Kee on March 17, 2022 at 10:55 pm

    Looking forward to know & read more on Stress articles.

  17. Sidney on March 17, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    Amazing articles and like to learn more on dealing with stress.

  18. Eunice on April 7, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Most of the people are suffering from stress related illnesses and there psychological counsellors should assist the community through teaching on how to prevent stress.
    Also ways of curbing stress early before they break down.

  19. Megala on April 27, 2022 at 9:43 am

    Awesome blog!! I’m not sure how to deal with my stress, which has taken over my life. I’m not sure where to go for help, so please give me some suggestions so I can relax. My thoughtful friends sent me stress gummies, which have shown to be very effective in lowering my anxiety levels throughout the day – Nidra Nutrition

  20. Susan L. on September 22, 2022 at 1:43 pm

    Its a Amazing Content

  21. sachin on November 9, 2022 at 3:02 am

    very helpful article

  22. Emotional Regulation Therapy on March 17, 2023 at 9:25 am

    Thank you for sharing the best information this blog is more helpful for me.

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