Stress is our body's way of responding when we feel overwhelmed or endangered. It typically occurs when we find ourselves in situations that seem unmanageable or beyond our control.

Stress can manifest in various contexts :

• Individually For instance, when you're juggling multiple responsibilities that seem too much to handle.
• As a Group Such as when your family faces challenges like loss or financial difficulties.
• Community-Based Like facing discrimination within a religious community you're part of.
• Societal During widespread crises like natural disasters or pandemics like COVID-19.

Even when stress arises from a common source within a group, individual experiences can vary widely.

When Does Stress Become Problematic?

A moderate level of stress can actually be motivating and help us accomplish tasks.

However, stress becomes detrimental when it's prolonged or extremely intense, potentially impacting both our physical and mental well-being.

Healthcare experts often categorise stress as either 'acute' or 'chronic' :

Acute Stress

Occurs shortly after a triggering event and is usually intense but short-lived. Examples include sudden loss, assault, or natural calamities.

Chronic Stress

Persists over an extended period or frequently recurs. This could be due to constant high-pressure situations or ongoing life challenges, such as caregiving or living in poverty.

Is Stress a Mental Health Issue?

While stress itself is generally not classified as a mental health disorder, it has several connections to mental health :

• Stress can lead to the onset of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event.
• Existing mental health issues can exacerbate stress, especially when managing symptoms, medication, or treatments becomes challenging.
• Using recreational substances or alcohol to cope with stress can further deteriorate mental health and create a cycle of additional stress.