The Many Different Types Of Stress

Muscle pain, insomnia, migraines, concentration problems… These are different types of stress and it manifests itself in different ways. Knowing each of them can help us deal with them in a more successful way.

Although we sometimes experience all of these physical and mental experiences at the same time, each of them has its own specific trigger.

This mental state is very common. Although most of us have experienced the feeling of stress at certain times, the problem arises when we do not deal with it effectively. When stress begins to take root and drag on for weeks, months or even years, it can affect your health.

Scientific literature warns us about the risk of chronic stress on cardiovascular health. For example, research like this, conducted at the University of California, San Diego by Dr. Joel Dismale, shows that many people go to a specialist because of stress-related problems. They are looking for relief from persistent headaches, the pressure they feel in their chest and the sleep problems.

However, if these situations become chronic and the person does not implement appropriate stress management strategies, it can affect cardiovascular health. Therefore, this gives us a clear indication of the need to be much more sensitive to these harsh realities.

What are the different types of stress?

We are sure that you have said the words “I am so stressed” quite regularly. But even though the pressure and the effects it has on your body are quite unpleasant, it is something you have to live with. Stress is a normal response to “abnormal” situations.

What we are saying here is that humans, just like other animals, need this psychophysiological response to be able to respond to threats, danger and changes in the environment. Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol help to activate changes that allow you to solve work problems or overcome difficulties in your life.

However, there are cases where the feeling of stress ceases to be positive and helpful and actually becomes worrying. This negative stress gets you out of balance and throws you into a feeling of helplessness that can be with you for a long time. Knowing the different types of stress will help you understand what you are going through much better.

Types of stress: Acute stress when you really feel the pressure

Acute stress is usually short-lived. It is very common. Having work problems or a big discussion with someone, being worried about a medical appointment, or being the victim of theft or witnessing an accident are all examples of this type of stress.

As we mentioned, this is the most common type of stress and is defined by a mental approach that only focuses on the negative side and is obsessed with the current situation.

To diagnose it correctly, we can follow the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

• Symptoms of intrusive thoughts. The person can not stop worrying about the problem. But little by little it loses its intensity.
• Symptoms associated with the state of mind. Among other things, anguish, fear and restlessness.
• Symptoms of agitation. Headaches, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and difficulty making decisions.

As we have pointed out, acute stress is the most common of all the different types of stress. In these cases, cognitive behavioral therapy, such as cognitive restructuring strategies, relaxation techniques, or imaginary exposure, facilitates the progress of many of these patients.

Episodic acute stress or crisis-prone personality

Episodic acute stress is associated with a very specific personality profile. We refer to the type A personality that American cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Raymond Rosenman defined in the 1950s. These people are generally very competitive.

In the same way, this type of stress creates a mental state with high wear and tear that comes and goes. At certain times it seems to disappear for a few months, and then it suddenly comes back again. Let’s look at the most common characteristics:

• Emotional discomfort. This tends to lead to anger or irritability, impatience, bad mood and constant tension. There is always a sense of urgency. They also believe that they must always be prepared for an unknown task ahead of them.
• Cognitive discomfort. People with type A personality are very demanding. This means that they are aware of several stimuli simultaneously. However, living for several months with this stress level will eventually lead to memory problems and mental exhaustion.
• Problematic interpersonal relationships.
• They suffer from muscle discomfort, headaches, back pain and jaw pain.

• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Repeated episodic stress is associated with cardiovascular problems.

Types of stress: Chronic stress or disorder that does not change over time

Having spent many years in a harmful work environment where you were harassed. To endure a traumatic childhood. Losing a loved one and not being able to recover from the loss and all that entails. Suffering in unimaginable ways just to cover your loan. To be part of a family environment full of conflict, demands and criticism.

These and many other situations cause chronic stress, one of the most problematic and debilitating mental conditions at all levels. Constant suffering and unrest become such a part of a person’s life that it completely changes them and they become enslaved by these circumstances.

• This is one of the types of stress that can occur along with other mental problems, such as depression.
• People who suffer from it show insecurity and acquired helplessness. This means that no matter how much they do, they believe that the situation will never change.
• They suffer from insomnia, fatigue, digestive problems, muscle discomfort, tachycardia, concentration problems, etc.

The therapeutic approach for these patients should always be an individualized one that addresses all special needs. However, the following techniques are very useful on average:

• Encourage the person to understand what stress is
• Emotional management strategies
• Physiological deactivation techniques (eg diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and thematic imagination)
• Cognitive restructuring
• Assertiveness techniques

• Techniques for solving problems and overcoming difficult and stressful times

Finally, each of these types of stress can be treated. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent such a disorder from becoming a constant problem.