Stress - Impact on Mental Health and Coping Strategies

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Why is stress a problem?

For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

Is stress a bad thing?

Some love the thrill of it and others become paralyzed at the very thought. Stress isn’t always a bad thing, either. Your wedding day, for example, may be considered a good form of stress. But stress should be temporary. Once you’ve passed the fight-or-flight moment, your heart rate and breathing should slow down and your muscles should relax.

What is stress & why is it important?

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating you to perform well. But many challenges daily, such as sitting in traffic, meeting deadlines and paying bills, can push you beyond your ability to cope.

What is the body's stress response?

The body’s stress response, also called the ‘fight or flight’ response, is a helpful way your body has adapted to respond to danger. When you experience episodes of stress you need the stress hormones your body releases to keep you alert and able to face challenges.

Are stress symptoms affecting your health?

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not know it. You may blame sickness for that annoying headache, your sleeping troubles, feeling unwell or your lack of focus at work. But stress may really be the cause. Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior.

What does stress mean in psychology?

Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time. What is anxiety? Anxiety is your body's reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat.

Why is life so stressful?

Life can be stressful—you may feel stressed about performance at school, traumatic events (such as a pandemic, a natural disaster, or an act of violence), or a life change. Everyone feels stress from time to time. What is stress? Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness.

What Is Stress

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress
3. https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/stress
6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-stress-5190229
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/stress
9. https://psychcentral.com/stress/stress-overview

Stress Information

1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet