STRESS

Stress emerges from an individual's assessment of the demands they believe are placed on them and their perceived ability to manage those demands. It is this perception of the demands, rather than the actual demands, that influences how challenging a task appears. Similarly, the perceived ability to cope, rather than actual capability, determines the level of stress experienced. Stress can be characterized as:

• Short Term Stress (Acute). Acute stress short-term stress that occurs in response to an immediate situation or threat. It comes on quickly and usually resolves once the situation passes. For example, feeling nervous before an exam or reacting to a sudden danger. It activates the “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
• Long Term Stress (Chronic). Long-term (chronic) stress is stress that persists over an extended period, often due to ongoing pressures such as work, financial problems, or personal issues. Unlike acute stress, it does not resolve quickly and can have harmful effects on the body with early signs often appearing in the gastrointestinal system. Common symptoms include nausea, indigestion, and diarrhoea, and over time this may progress to the development of ulcers. Individuals experiencing prolonged stress are at a greater risk of developing asthma, frequent headaches, sleep disturbances, and various psychological disorders. In addition, they are more prone to allergies, skin conditions, and tend to experience more frequent colds and influenza.