The term "stress" is common in our everyday vocabulary and is often used in a general way to refer to situations of pressure or emotional discomfort. However, in the field of psychology, there are different types of stress that it is important to differentiate: eustress, distress and stress. Each of these concepts has particular characteristics that influence how we react to the demands and challenges we face in our daily lives.
Eustres
Let's start by exploring the concept of eustress, a term that may not be as well known as conventional stress. Eustress refers to a form of stress that is positive and beneficial to the individual. Unlike negative stress, eustress arises in situations in which we perceive a challenge that we can face and that motivates us to give our best. This type of stress can be stimulating and energizing, leading us to achieve goals and perform optimally in different areas of our lives.
Eustress, unlike distress, is not associated with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, but is experienced as a positive impulse that helps us stay active and focused on our goals. For example, the excitement we feel before giving an important presentation or facing a sporting challenge can be considered eustress, as it helps us stay alert and focused on the task at hand.
Characteristics of eustress eustress:
- Perception of the challenge as stimulating
- Ability to cope and positive adaptation
- Greater energy and motivation
- Satisfactory results and sense of achievement
Distress
On the other hand, distress refers to the type of stress that we most commonly associate with the word "stress" . Distress is a negative emotional response to situations perceived as threatening, overwhelming or uncontrollable. When we experience distress, we are likely to feel overwhelmed, anxious, irritable or hopeless, which can negatively affect our physical and mental health.
Distress can be caused by situations of conflict, loss, excessive pressure or sudden changes in our lives. It is important to recognize distress and learn to manage it effectively to prevent harmful effects on our well-being. Social support, practicing relaxation techniques, and establishing healthy limits are strategies that can help us manage stress more appropriately.
Characteristics of distress:
- Negative emotional response (anxiety, irritability, hopelessness)
- Impact on physical and mental health
- Feeling of overwhelm
- Difficulty coping with demands
Stress
Finally, stress is a broader and more general term that encompasses both eustress and distress. Stress is defined as the physiological and psychological response to internal or external stimuli that we perceive as threatening or challenging. This stress response can trigger a series of reactions in our body, such as the release of stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline), increased heart rate, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
It is important to note that not all stress is necessarily negative, since as we mentioned above, eustress can be beneficial in certain circumstances. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have detrimental effects on our long-term health and well-being. Therefore, it is essential to learn to identify our sources of stress, develop effective coping strategies and seek professional support if necessary.
Impact of stress:
- Triggering responses physiological alertness and defense
- Beneficial or harmful potential depending on its intensity and duration
- Relationship with the development of physical and mental illnesses
- Need to manage appropriately to prevent harmful effects
In summary, eustress, distress and stress are concepts that allow us to better understand the different ways in which we react to the demands and challenges of our lives. Recognizing the difference between these types of stress gives us the opportunity to develop more effective coping strategies and promote our emotional and physical well-being on a daily basis.