What is perceived stress?
Perceived Stress
Stress is a pressure and response of body to a test or demand. Stress is a feeling of emotional and physical tightness. It can come from any event that makes a person on feel nervous and frustrated. Stress is based on reality like if you have a lot of work to do, and you can’t keep up with your tasks, what you feel is a stress.
The word 'stress' was first used by the endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s. Stress has been described as an illness of the 20th century. Stress is defined in psychology as a sensation of pressure and tension on emotions. A form of psychological discomfort is stress. Little degrees of stress may be advantageous since they can enhance motivation, physical performance, and environmental response. Yet excessive stress can also worsen a pre-existing ailment and raise the risk of heart attacks, ulcers, strokes, and mental problems like depression.
The source of psychological stress might be internal views that lead a person to feel pressure, discomfort, or other negative feelings as a result of a circumstance, which they then perceive as stressful. Psychological stress can also be external and connected to the environment.
“Stress is a natural physiological mechanism that protects humans from danger. When stress occurs, the human body prepares for quick action by releasing hormones that increase alertness and focus. However, if the source of stress does not disappear, stress hormones can persist in the body” (Anbumalar et al., 2017).
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
· Difficulty in solving problems· Restlessness
· Memory Loss
· Headaches
· Mood Swings
· Fear, Grief Anger
· Fatigue
· Gastrointestinal problems
· Hypertension (high blood pressure)
· Heart problems, such as palpitations
· Inability to focus/lack of concentration
· Sleep disturbances, whether it’s sleeping too much or an inability to sleep
· Sweating palms/shaking hands
· Sexual problems
· Anxiety
Changes of behavior are signs of stress, also display:
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Irritability
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Disruptive eating patterns (overeating or under eating)
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Harsh treatment of others
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Increased smoking or alcohol consumption
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Isolation
Stress Management
The term "stress management" refers to a broad range of methods and psychotherapies that are intended to reduce or eliminate chronic stress in particular, generally in order to enhance daily functioning. It entails making mental and physical adjustments in order to regulate and lessen the tension that develops in stressful situations.