Recognizing signs of stress involves identifying physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators that can include:
- Physical Signs: Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
- Emotional Signs: Irritability, anxiety, mood swings, or feelings of overwhelm.
- Behavioral Signs: Procrastination, withdrawal from social activities, increased consumption of alcohol or tobacco, and difficulty concentrating.
Understanding these signs can help you and others address stress effectively and seek appropriate support when needed.
Acute Stress vs Chronic Stress :
Acute stress is short-term, triggered by specific events, and resolves quickly.
Chronic stress is long-term, resulting from ongoing stressors, and can have lasting effects on health.
REFLECTION
Scenario 1: Chris is a college student juggling multiple responsibilities, including coursework, part-time work, extracurricular activities, and family obligations. He’s feeling overwhelmed and constantly busy.
Analysis: Is Chris experiencing acute or chronic stress? How do his many responsibilities contribute to his stress levels?
Scenario 2 : Maria has a final exam in two days, and she is feeling stressed about it. She’s worried about her performance and has been studying intensely for the past few days.
Analysis: Is Maria experiencing acute or chronic stress? What are the characteristics of her stress in this scenario?