PsychWorks, Inc. ™

Stress F.A.Q.’s

Table of Contents

1. What is stress ?
2. Is it always bad ?
3. What is negative stress ?
4. What causes stress ?
5. What are the symptoms ?
6. Can stress make me sick ?
7. How can I manage stress ?

What is stress ?

Stress is the body’s natural response to demands. It is usually felt as an urgency or tension. Three common types of stress are:

1. ordinary: waking up, getting to work
2. developmental: learning new things, taking on new challenges
3. unique: illness, family changes

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Is it always bad ?

Stress can take the form of extra momentum and actually improve your performance at work or at home. Stress often signals the release of hormones — adrenaline and hydrocortisone — that tap your hidden energy reserves. “Positive stress” feels exciting and helps you meet your challenges.
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What is negative stress ?

Stress is most commonly perceived as negative, and thus is called “distress”. Positive stress becomes negative when a challenge become long term. “Negative stress” drains your energy when dealing with job-related problems, financial woes, or the death of a loved one.
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What causes stress ?

Many circumstances at home, at work, or in the environment can cause stress. Stress often stems from facing too much responsibility or information; dealing with too many changes; and being overloaded emotionally. The more stresses within a short time, the greater the effect.
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What are the symptoms ?

Physical: tightened muscles, rising blood pressure, grinding teeth, clenched jaws, sleeplessness, clammy hands, perspiration, upset stomach, fatigue. Emotional: anxiety, nervousness, agitation, irritability, depressions, restlessness, nightmares, confusion and drug abuse.
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Can stress make me sick ?

Your response to stress can make you sick. a majority of diseases are either related to or worsened by stress. Stress can increase blood cholesterol and stomach acid. It is also linked to ulcers, colitis, high blood pressure, strokes, heart problems, migraine headaches, asthma, and skin disorders.
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How can I manage stress?

To manage stress, start a “stress audit”:

1. Keep a journal to record your stresses.
2. Identify problems.
3. List all possible ways to overcome them.
4. Choose your solutions.
5. Later, evaluate what worked and what can be improved
6. If stress overwhelms you, seek help from a professional.

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