The effects or consequences of stress are numerous; and they are both positive and negative.

 

 

 

First, the desirable results:

We need and enjoy a certain level of stimulation...a certain number of thrills. It would be boring if we had no stresses and challenges. Some people even make trouble for themselves to keep from getting bored.

Stress is a source of energy that can be directed towards useful purposes. How many of us would study or work hard if it were not for anxiety about the future?

Mild to moderate anxiety makes us more perceptive and more productive, e.g. get better grades or be more attentive to our loved ones.

By facing stresses and solving problems in the past, we have learned skills and are better prepared to handle future difficulties.

Anxiety is a useful warning sign of possible danger--an indication that we need to prepare to meet some demand and a motivation to develop coping skills.


The negative effects or consequences of stress and anxiety:

Several unpleasant emotional feelings are generated--tension, feelings of inadequacy, depression, anger, dependency and others.

Preoccupation is with real or often exaggerated troubles--worries, concerns about physical health, obsessions, compulsions, jealousy, suspiciousness, fears, and phobias.

Most emotional disorders are related to stress; they either are caused by stress and/or cause it or both. This includes the concerns mentioned in 1 & 2 (1 & 2 refer to the study these results were based on, which were: [1] this study involves a rare event--a life-endangering time when someone else is in control of your life. There is little you can do except try to keep your panic under control. And, [2] This study involves only one personality factor from among hundreds and only one approach to allaying fears from among hundreds. But it illustrates the complex kind of information you and I need to run our lives most effectively.), and the many psychological disorders described in an Abnormal Psychology textbook.

Interpersonal problems can be a cause or an effect of stress--feeling pressured or trapped, irritability, fear of intimacy, sexual problems, feeling lonely, struggling for control, and others.

Feeling tired is common--stress saps our energy.

Many bad habits (e.g. procrastination, see chapter 4) and much wasted time are attempts to handle anxiety. They may help relieve anxiety temporarily but we pay a high price in the long run.

Psychosomatic ailments result from stress--a wide variety of disorders are caused by psychological factors, maybe as much as 50% to 80% of all the complaints treated by physicians.

High stress almost always interferes with one's performance (unless it is a very simple task). It causes inefficiency at school and on the job, poor decision-making, accidents, and even sexual problems.

Anxiety and fear causes us to avoid many things we would otherwise enjoy and benefit from doing. People avoid taking hard classes, trying out for plays or the debate team, approaching others, trying for a promotion, etc. because they are afraid. It's regrettable. Let's do something about it. Call EAP at 1-800-688-6330, or email us.

 

Adapted from Psychological Self-Help by Clayton E. Tucker-Ladd

from Chapter 5,THEORIES EXPLAINING STRESS AND ANXIETY
Summary of the Effects of Stress and Anxiety

To read article in full, visit:
http://mentalhelp.net/psyhelp/chap5/chap5k.htm

 

Brochures available from our office on this topic:

Stress
Stress Self Assessment
Managing Your Stress
Stress and Parenting - What You Should Know
Relaxation Techniques
Post Traumatic Stress

To request brochures to be mailed to you, contact us.

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