Stress

Stress is a normal and often healthy response to change or challenge. However, when
stress becomes overwhelming, it can have negative physical and emotional
consequences. There are many different types of stress, including:

 Acute stress: This is a short-term response to a stressful event, such as a job interview
or a car accident. Acute stress can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart
rate, sweating, and muscle tension. It can also lead to emotional symptoms such as
anxiety, fear, and anger.
 Chronic stress: This is long-term stress that can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. It can lead to
conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
 Eustress: This is a positive type of stress that can motivate us to achieve our goals.
Eustress can be experienced when we are excited about a new challenge or
opportunity.
 Distress: This is a negative type of stress that can be harmful to our health. Distress
can be caused by events such as the death of a loved one, a job loss, or a serious
illness.

There are many different defense mechanisms that people use to cope with stress.
Some common defense mechanisms include:

 Repression: This is the unconscious blocking of thoughts, feelings, or memories that

are too painful or threatening to be acknowledged.
 Projection: This is the unconscious attributing of one's own thoughts, feelings, or
impulses to another person.
 Denial: This is the refusal to acknowledge a reality that is too painful or threatening to
accept.
 Rationalization: This is the justification of one's own behavior in a way that makes it
seem reasonable or acceptable.
 Displacement: This is the redirection of one's emotions or impulses onto a safe or less
threatening target.
 Sublimation: This is the redirection of one's unacceptable impulses into socially
acceptable activities.

Defense mechanisms can be helpful in the short-term by helping us to cope with stress.
However, if they are used excessively, they can become maladaptive and lead to
problems in our relationships, our work, and our overall mental health.
If you are struggling with stress, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can
help you to identify the sources of your stress, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and
improve your overall mental health.