This document provides an introduction to stress and its effects on the body. It defines stress and describes the physiological stress response. It then discusses different types of stress, distinguishing between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). It outlines acute stress that occurs suddenly and chronic stress from long-lasting events. Signs and symptoms of stress overload are also listed. The document aims to educate about stress and its impact on physical and mental health.

1. Introduction to Psychology
MOHAMMAD ALI JINNAH UNIVERSITY
KARACHI, PAKISTAN
M. Shaharyar Saeed
SP10-BB-0039
Dated; 07th
December, 2012
Introduction to Psychology
Section “A”
Term Report
On
Stress and Its effect on Body
Ms.Zaib-un-Nisa
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Table Of Content:
Acknowledgement.................................................................................................. 3
Stress........................................................................................................................... 4
Types of Stress......................................................................................................... 4
Types of Stress Good and Bad............................................................................. 5
Good Stress................................................................................................................ 5
Bad Stress................................................................................................................... 6
Acute and Chronic.................................................................................................... 7
Type of stress on a Timeline................................................................................. 7
Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload........................................................... 10
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
“The hardest steel goes through the hottest furnace.”
The same was the case with me. I faced many problems when I
started the work on report but I am greatly thankful to Almighty Allah
for enabling me to get successfully through my responsibilities.
Very warm and special thanks to my respected teacher Ms. Zaib-
Un-Nisa, whose real dedication and devotion kindled in me hope and
light. Mam I thank your ability of extracting the very best out of me, for
your patience and perseverance, and also for acknowledging the efforts
made by me during the whole semester.
Thank you. God Bless you
From: M. Shaharyar Saeed
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Stress:
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your
balance in some way. When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined – the body's
defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight”
reaction, or the stress response.
The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you
stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you
extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an
accident.
The stress response also helps you rise to meet challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes
during a presentation at work, sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting the game-
winning free throw, or drives you to study for an exam when you'd rather be watching TV.
But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your
health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.
Types of Stress:
When thinking about types of stress there are two perspectives to consider (besides whether it is
the "good stress" or the "bad stress" of course).
• Stress from a Physicist's perspective
• Stress from Psychological perspective
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You were probably searching for information about psychological stress. But it might help to
understand what psychological stress is if we understand the stress that physicists talk about. In
Physics, stress is a reaction to an external force. Too much stress, and an object breaks or
changes form.
That said, this page talks about types of psychological stress from here on out. We can talk
about psychological stress according to whether it is "good" or "bad." Or, we can talk about
stress according to its time line. I explain both ways of talking about stress below.
Types of Stress: Good and Bad
In psychological perspective, there is "good" stress and "bad" stress.
Good stress: Eustress
Eustress (pronounced YOU-stress) can be fun, exciting and energizing, especially in the short-
term. Face a sudden danger and resolve the situation safely, and you'll get pumpted and excited;
like when we are racing to meet an exciting deadline, getting dressed for our wedding, or flying
down a ski slope. It keeps our juices flowing.
Just the right amount of stress is stimulating and healthy. We perform tasks faster and better.
Our muscles strengthen. Heart function improves. Stamina increases. Thinking sharpens. Some
experts say eustress even helps our bodies resist infection!
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Bad stress: Distress
Ah! But then there is the bad stress. When we think of types of stress, distress is what we have
in mind. In fact we usually call it "stress," plain and simple.
Here are some examples of situations that create distress.
 A truck swerves into your lane.
 A lost job reduces your income.
 You or a loved one is injured.
When we are under distress, we usually change and can even break inside. It hurts! Here are
symptoms of distress that prove such a change is happening inside .
 Emotional distress symptoms.
 anger
 irritability and frustration
 anxiety and panic
 fear
 Physical distress symptoms.
 headache
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 back pain
 neck pain
 Intestinal or gut distress symptoms.
 heartburn
 flatulence
 diarrhea or constipation
 stomach cramping
 acid reflux
 nausea
 Arousal distress symptoms.
 sudden rise in blood pressure
 rapid heartbeat and palpitations
 dizziness
 shortness of breath
 chest pain
Acute and Chronic
Types of Stress on a Timeline
Distress can come - and end - suddenly, or it can linger. Types of stress - or more properly,
distress - are listed below according to how they come on and how long they last.
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Acute distress is the most common of the types of stress. It comes on quickly and is usually
short-lived. It is the most intense stress.
When it's all over - and we are safe - we can stop and take some deep breaths, put a hand over
our racing heart, and say "Phew! THAT was exciting!" Then we move on with a thrilling story
to share.
Acute Episodic Distress refers to a situation where acute stress seems to be a way of life.
Life is constantly filled with one stressful event after another after another. Chaos and crisis
reign along with Murphy's Law.
If you have acute episodic distress you may have a never-ending to-do list, may have trouble
saying no, and may seem to be always in a hurry while seldom being on time. You may come
across as abrupt, insensitive, and irritable with other people at home, at work, at the grocery
store, even in purely social situations.
You may have the worry habit and engage in blaming. You believe the world is a scary, mean,
and dangerous place. And you really suffer because of that belief. Just take a look back at that
list of symptoms above.
Acute episodic stress response can actually become a habit that is difficult that is difficult
to break. A Life and Wellness Coach starts a process to get relief from the pain of that type of
stress. Some sufferers may even need help from a therapist or a medical professional to begin
recovery.
Chronic Distress is the type of stress that arises out of long-lasting events and
circumstances beyond your control. According to Monika Fleshner, a neuroimmunophysiologist
at the University of Boulder, Colo. who has studied stress and the immune system. She says
"It’s only under the circumstances of chronic stress or extreme, severe stress that we suffer
negative effects."
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Here are some examples of situations that cause chronic distress.
 Living with constant relational conflict.
 Feeling trapped in poverty.
 Caring for someone with significant illness or disabilities.
 Being overwhelmed by a job or feeling trapped in a career that doesn't feel right.
 Living with unresolved childhood trauma.
Chronic distress often results in feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and misery. You feel
there is no way out.
Besides the list of symptoms above, you may suffer from the conditions below related to
distress in your life.
 high blood pressure
 a weight problem
 cancer
 ulcers
 sexual dysfunction
 allergies
 suicidal thoughts
 stoke anorexia
 heart disease
If you suffer from chronic distress, you may need medical and behavioral professionals in
addition to a stress management professional such as a life coach.
Perhaps the hardest part of chronic distress is that people just get used to it. They think that
is the way life is supposed to be. But being used to a situation doesn't make the symptoms any
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less dangerous to the person, in fact it becomes even more difficult to be a healthy happy person
and live up to everything that is possible for you when the stress goes underground.
Which type of stress are you dealing with? Would you like help? There are lots of ways to deal
with stress! This page Quick Stress Relief offers some quick and easy tips for how to deal with
with stress in your life.
And dealing with all typs of stress at a deeper level is what we do as life coachs. We help people
figure out how to turn the stress in their life into good type of stress!
One of the best and easiest ways is to journal. You can have access to a free online journal to
help you to begin reversing the damage of stress in your life.
Signs and symptoms of stress overload
The following table lists some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress. The more
signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the closer you may be to stress overload.
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Keep in mind that the signs and symptoms of stress can also be caused by other psychological
and medical problems. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stress, it’s important
to see a doctor for a full evaluation. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not your
symptoms are stress-related.
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