Stress is a state of increased tension in the body, which is a defensive reaction to various adverse factors. Stress can be physiological and psychological. In this article, I focus on psychological stress. However, I want to highlight that psychological stress can also affect our body and, in particular, our immune system.
Psychological stress can derive from information and emotions. The former relates to information overload. At the same time, the cause of emotional stress can be the long-standing presence of unresolved intense emotions. For example, in a situation of divorce or the loss of a loved one, the famous Canadian physiologist, Hans Selye, studied the concept of stress. He identified two types of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress is beneficial stress. It helps to mobilise our body. But, when the stress factor is too strong and continues over a long time, we do not have enough resources to overcome this stress. Thus, distress is developed.
Distress is dangerous stress associated with excessive exposure to stress factors on our body, usually accompanied by long-term negative emotions and can affect our body as a whole. Scientists have long studied the effect of distress on the human immune system. However, it is worth noting that even the strongest negative impact that causes stress cannot “destroy” a person.
A person, as it were, self-destructs only when he/she experiences prolonged negative emotions. With that being said, negative emotions are present for a reason. They signal and help us identify when something is wrong with our lives which calls our attention to a change. Without negative emotions, we would hardly be able to evaluate positive ones. But prolonged negative emotions can have an adverse effect on us. It is also worth noting that people experience psychological stress in situations that are not only real, but also imaginary, such as in their personalised fantasy worlds. For example, a person preparing for a presentation may be very anxious on the eve of his speech, experience insomnia, and sometimes more serious psychosomatic symptoms.
How can we avoid falling under the insidious influence of distress in such situations? First, it is very important to listen to your emotional state. Our emotions always signal us. If you have been experiencing intensified negative emotions over a long time, it is likely that you are in a situation that causes stress (more precisely, distress). If you have the opportunity, try to change the situation. Of course, this is not always within our power. Then, the next step would be to change our attitude towards the stressful situations. This is a pivotal point where you may require the help of a mental health practitioner. Second, it is important to always focus on one thing (and not several things) at the same time. It is scientifically proven that our brain is not able to fully focus on two or more things at a given time. It is only able to switch back and forth for a few seconds. Therefore, we get more tired, quicker and do not perform a single thing productively and voluntarily go into distress.
In conclusion, I would like to say that we are capable, to one degree or another, of not getting into a distressing situation. Although, this is not always within our agency. Once in a stressful situation, you can find an opportunity to reduce the impact of stress or try to get out of its influence on your own or by seeking professional help.
Olga Koronovskaia
