Stress and Health Answers

Eustress is positive stress that is usually short-term and can motivate, energize, or inspire a person. Distress is negative stress that feels overwhelming or unmanageable and can interfere with health and daily functioning. Both involve the body’s stress response, but they differ in whether the stress is helpful or harmful.

The general adaptation syndrome consists of three stages: alarm reaction (initial fight-or-flight response), resistance (body attempts to adapt), and exhaustion (resources depleted if stress continues).

The body's initial reaction to stress keeps you alert, gives you a burst of energy, and allows you to face the challenge. It can protect you from harm and motivate you during the incident. It can also sharpen your concentration.

Key signs include persistent worry or anxiety, irritability, frequent mood changes, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, withdrawing from friends or family, and losing interest in normally enjoyable activities. If these signs are severe or continue for a long time, the person should seek help from a trusted adult or mental-health professional.

Some physical signs of stress include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping.