Stress is not only caused by work and duties. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
José A. de la Osa
It’s an interactive process between an individual and his surroundings (social, family, work or school) when a person feels that significant personal situations are beyond his resources.
So says Dr. Jorge A. Grau Ábalo, health psychology specialist and head researcher at the Radiobiology and Oncology Institute of Cuba, as well as the director of the Psychology Group at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health.
More precisely, stress is a normal process, part of life itself, and is not always harmful. In many situations it pushes us to reach our goals, manifesting itself in a variety of positive ways, such as optimism and defiance, which help fulfil our spiritual life and promote wellbeing.
However, negative stress, manifested through negative feelings such as fear, depression, anxiety and hostility, can become an obstacle to the way we behave in our personal, family, work and social environments.
Is there just one, or are there many types and levels of stress?
It is common to talk about positive stress (eustress), which should be encouraged during education and is present in different aspects of health protection, and negative stress (distress), which increases the chances of becoming ill and is the stress we must try to prevent and control.
What are the fundamental causes linked to the presence of stress?
There is no universally recognised cause linked to the production of stress, although the negative value of certain factors is accepted. Examples of these factors are decreased social support, personal loss, indadequate emotional expression (passive or agressive), and an unhealthy lifestyle.
What about the trigger factors for stress?
Situations which act as trigger factors for stress, or stressful vital events, are not positive or negative themselves. They relate to different aspects of human life and to each person’s way of evaluating and facing them.
Does stress affect people in the same way regardless of their age?
It affects anyone at any age, but not in the same way. It depends on the life stage, experience and maturity, as well as how developed a person’s self-assessment and personal qualities are.
Are its symptoms and signs varied?
Physical signs are very varied, particularly in the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. In terms of psychological symptoms, it can be seen in cognitive processes such as attention and memory, emotional experiences, and personal problems, as well as in behaviour, such as reduced interest and enthusiasm for doing tasks. Other signs include changes in sleep and rest patterns and difficulty in maintaining interpersonal relations.
When is it appropriate to find specialist help?
When the symptoms interfere with personal activities and responsibilities.
How is it diagnosed?
Identifying a person with stress is more complicated than it seems.
All the associated components have to be taken into account and this may need a psychological diagnosis based on different instruments. There is no stress measurement system, no stress “thermometer”.
Are there any effective treatments?
There are ways of controlling and preventing the negative aspects of stress. It is widely recommended to do regular relaxation exercises, prioritise tasks and take breaks. Additional measures may be needed, which use more specialised techniques.
Can it become chronic?
Yes. This is the most harmful type of stress, because it’s usually linked to the production of certain hormones which affect the immune system. The effects appear not only at a physical level, but also in social relations and recreational activities, as well as affecting mental, school and work related performance.
Is it possible to talk about prevention of stress?
There are no universal recipes. Each person should try the effectiveness of different strategies, with psychological help when needed. Stress is not only caused by work and duties. We must remember that life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. PL
(David Buchanan (Google Docs) – Email: davidbv84@gmail.com)
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