3 Types of Stress

Whether you are changing careers, caring for a family member, beginning or ending a relationship, these events can be stressful. Men, like women, can experience stress in various ways. However, sometimes, it is not easily recognized what kind of stress we are under.

Acute Stress

When we experience the demands and pressures of the recent past or anticipated demands and pressures of the near future, we can become stressed.

This is the most common variety of stress and is known as “acute stress.”  It’s manageable and at times motivating in small doses – a prime example being a fast run down a challenging ski slope – but ultimately this can be draining. It can also be things like a tight deadline, traffic jam or an argument with your partner.

Acute stress equals change; something that disturbs our equilibrium. This can be a physical change (a virus), a chemical change (side effects of a medication) or an emotional change (a relationship ending.)

Episodic Acute Stress

A lot of life changes all at once over a period of time can result in this type of stress. People who suffer from episodic stress always seem to be in the midst of a crisis. They tend to worry too much, are sometimes intense, often irritable, angry, or anxious.

This kind of stress throws a person out of their equilibrium and can be habit forming, especially when worrying about small events or things in the day. For some, this leads to insomnia or trouble sleeping because a person cannot slow down their frantic worrying process.

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is long-term, constant, unrelenting stress on the body, mind, or spirit. Deep-seated and persistent, it’s the stress of an unhappy relationship, debt or an unfulfilling career.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) “it’s the stress of unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time.”

For some, chronic stress is more obvious—living in horrible conditions, being homeless, experiences of on-going abuse, being in prison or living in a war-torn country.

For men, there is no need to tough it out. Managing stress is important to avoid going into a downward spiral of illness, depression, anxiety or a breakdown in our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Too much stress is dangerous and saps the joy out of life. Ultimately it can kill, whether through a heart attack, a violent act, suicide, a stroke, or even cancer. Managing your stress leads to healthy outcomes!!