What is a Bad Level of Stress?
A bad level of stress, also known as distress, is characterized by its negative impact on your physical and mental well-being. It's the kind of stress that leaves you feeling exhausted, anxious, and jittery, ultimately harming your health. This type of stress can manifest as short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) stress.
Bad stress significantly impacts your daily life. It's not just a feeling of being overwhelmed; it's a persistent state affecting your physical and mental health. Key indicators include:
- Physical symptoms: Feeling constantly worn out, experiencing unexplained jitters, and suffering from physical ailments.
- Mental symptoms: Increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and decreased performance in work or other activities.
- Behavioral symptoms: Making poor decisions due to impaired judgment.
Chronic stress, a prolonged state of distress, is especially harmful. The body's stress response system, while usually self-limiting, becomes overwhelmed with prolonged exposure to stressors. This can lead to serious health complications.
The difference between "good" stress (eustress), which motivates and challenges, and "bad" stress (distress) lies in its impact. While eustress promotes resilience, distress causes detrimental effects on your health.
Seeking Help
If you're struggling to manage stress and its negative effects, seeking professional help is crucial. A specialist can provide guidance and support to develop effective coping mechanisms.
The information provided here summarizes findings from various reputable sources, including Mayo Clinic, Summa Health, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), all highlighting the negative impacts of chronic and excessive stress on both mental and physical health. These sources emphasize the importance of recognizing the symptoms of unhealthy stress levels and taking steps to manage them effectively.
