Understanding Different Causes and Levels of Stress

Causes of Stress



Stress can also be termed as a reaction to the events you encounter in your life. The events are not stressful but your reaction to the events determines the level of the stress you undergo. In simple terms, if you accept things as they come and take them in a right perspective, then you never have the problem of stress. However, human beings tend to err and learn and so stress is unavoidable in our lives.

The stress we all normally undergo is caused by Processive stressors and Systemic stressors.

• Processive Stressors can be termed as an impulsive reaction. During times of danger, the pituitary gland in our body reacts by releasing a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and signals the adrenal glands to discharge cortisol and adrenaline hormones. Adrenaline and cortisol hormones actually safeguard us to face adverse situations by increasing our physical strength during those times. To further illustrate this point, if we see any dangerous creature suddenly, our impulsive reaction will be an effort to run. Our body strength suddenly increases due to the release of these hormones, which catalyze the breakdown of glucose and increase the heart rate. Breakdown of glucose releases energy and an increased heart rate pumps more oxygenated blood to the tissues and muscles.

• Systemic Stressors are non-impulsive. Along with the above said symptoms, if you feel dizzy and feel uncomfortable in your stomach, then systemic stressors cause it. We can say that processive stressors are required for your body whereas systemic stressors cause more stress and are harmful to your body.

Levels of Stress

There are three different levels of stress namely acute, episodic and chronic stress.

• Acute Stress is temporary and manageable. For example, the stress that we feel when our home country wins the cricket match or any other game is called acute stress.

• Episodic Stress occurs during specific events like temporary unemployment or divorce. It is associated with physical discomforts like headache, weakness, insomnia and indigestion. If it is not attended to, then it may lead to chronic stress.

• Chronic Stress is the one that will affect our daily life. There can be physical and psychological disorders. Chronic disorders like alcoholism, loss of memory, over eating because of depression will become habits that may be difficult to overcome.

It is important to judge the level of your stress so that proper diagnosis will alleviate the symptoms. If you can find out the symptoms early then you can avert painful situations and with proper medical help, you will certainly overcome the problem.

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