Stress is your body’snatural responseto physical and psychological challenges or threats.
The article describes the different types of stress and how they impact you physically and emotionally.
Stress can be broadly described as:
Signs of Stress
Stress is regulated by theautonomic nervous system.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
During moments of extreme stress, it also triggers the “fight-or-flight” response.
The fight-or-flight response is characterized by the spontaneous release of epinephrine and cortisol.
These changes are responsible for the functional signs of stress.
Causes of Stress
The body’s stress response system is called thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).
There are two broad categories of stressors: physiological stressors and psychological stressors.
Physiological and psychological stressors can also overlap.
For instance, a physiological stressor such as a chronic illness can cause psychological stress, further amplifying symptoms.
Chronic stress can also affect your sense of well-being, which also has health consequences.
Over time, uncontrolled stress can contribute to:
Is Stress a Mental Illness?
Stress is not a mental illness, but it can contribute to mental illness.
Treatments and Ways to Cope With Stress
Managing stress is key to avoiding long-term health problems.
In other instances, you may benefit from working with a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.
Left untreated, chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, mood disorders, stomach ulcers, and diabetes.
Psychotherapy and prescription medications (like antidepressants) can help if self-help treatments are not enough.
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