Differentiating between Positive Stress (Eustress) and Negative Stress (Distress)

Stress often has a negative connotation, but not all stress is harmful.

In fact, there is a type of stress that can be beneficial, prom pting us to take action and overcome challenges.

Here, we will explore the key differences between positive stress, known as eustress, and negative stress, or distress, and how each impacts our families.

Learning to recognize these differences is critical to managing stress effectively, harnessing its constructive aspects and mitigating the destructive ones.

Characteristics of eustress: motivation and growth

Positive stress, or eustress, is that which motivates us, fills us with energy and helps us achieve our goals.

This type of stress arises when we face challenges that, although demanding, we perceive as manageable and stimulating.

For example, planning a family vacation, adapting to a new job role or supporting a child in a school project are situations that can generate eustress.

This type of stress is characterized by:

• Driving action: It pushes us to make decisions and solve problems proactively.
• Improving performance: It increases our ability to concentrate and perform in the task at hand.
• Foster resilience: It helps us develop key skills such as adaptation and the ability to overcome difficulties.
• Generate satisfaction: Once the challenge is overcome, it leaves us with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

In the family environment, eustress can manifest itself when the family works together to achieve a common goal, strengthening bonds through collaboration and mutual support.

Characteristics of distress: burnout and conflict

In contrast, negative stress, or distress, occurs when the demands we face exceed our ability to handle them.

Unlike eustress, which is temporary and energizing, distress tends to be chronic and debilitating, generating a sense of exhaustion, frustration and helplessness.

Its main characteristics include:

• Negative emotions: it causes persistent feelings of anxiety, irritability or sadness.
• Cognitive difficulties: It affects our ability to concentrate and make clear decisions.
• Impact on physical health: It can cause problems such as insomnia, chronic fatigue or muscle aches.
• Increased conflict: Decreases patience and tolerance, leading to increased arguments and misunderstandings in the home.

This type of stress, often caused by financial problems or constant conflict, not only affects adults, but is transmitted to children, who may manifest it through changes in their behavior.

Strategies for transforming stress into a manageable experience

Although it is not always possible to eliminate distress completely, there are effective strategies to transform it into a more manageable and even enriching experience.

Change perspective: Approaching the situation with a more optimistic mindset can help reduce the perception of threat and see the challenge as a learning opportunity.

Prioritize: Focusing on what is truly important and setting aside minor concerns can significantly decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Seek and offer support: Delegating tasks or simply talking about how we feel with other family members can lighten the emotional load and strengthen bonds.

Learning from experience: Using past difficulties as lessons strengthens our ability to face new challenges with greater confidence and tools.

Summary

Not all stress is harmful; there is positive stress (eustress). Eustress is that which motivates and energizes us.

Eustress drives action, improves performance and fosters resilience. Distress (negative stress) occurs when demands exceed our capacity.

Distress is chronic and debilitating, causing burnout and conflict. We can transform it by changing perspective, setting priorities and seeking support.