There are different types of stresses which, in the experiential realm, refer to the level of arousal. There is good stress and bad stress, acute stress and chronic stress.
A degree of normal arousal is necessary for us to keep at peak/optimum performance. In normal healthy arousal, it mobilises our physiological state to energise us when we are engaged in the coping process.
However, the bad stress is when we cope badly and it results in being unhealthily over aroused and being in that state for prolonged periods. This causes not only increased wear and tear to some parts of the body, but it also causes our immune systems to become random. This can then result in various health problems that can range from headaches to elevated blood pressure leading to strokes and heart disease. Frequent susceptibility to infections, certain forms of cancer, arthritis and immunologial problems can also result from unhealthy stress.
Most importantly, unhealthy stress can lead to the onset of a range of mental and psychological problems.
Thus because unhealthy stress can lead to great anxiety in our lives, it is a natural reaction to want to remove yourself from the situation that causes you discomfort. This may provide a degree of immediate relief - but please remember that the source of your stress will never go away and in order for you to overcome (YOU REALLY CAN) and conquer it, you must confront it otherwise you will be constantly haunted by your stressors and live in fear that the source of your stress will return.
Dr Jeremy Royds has extensive experience in the field of occupational stress and stress management and can devise the most appropriate stress management courses for you. |
