Eustress vs. distress and the burnout phenomenon

Stress is not always harmful; Its impact varies depending on its duration, our perception, and the nature of the stressor.

It is crucial to distinguish between "eustress" (positive or short-term stress), which can be stimulating, and "distress" (negative or chronic stress), which has detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

Subjective Duration of Stress

Whether an event is considered short- or long-term stressful is an individual and subjective experience.

For example, moving may be a brief challenge for a young person with few possessions, but become a prolonged stressful process lasting months for a large family selling one property and purchasing another.

Similarly, preparing for a wedding, although a happy event, often involves long-term stress due to the extensive planning.

Examples of Eustress (Short-Term Stress)

The Eustress, or short-term stress, often arises from situations that, although demanding, are fleeting or even exciting.

Common examples include having a one-off argument, preparing for an important exam, attending a party where you don't know many people, the process of buying a new car, planning and enjoying a vacation, or embarking on a new work or personal project that generates excitement.

Examples of Distress (Long-Term Stress)

Distress, or long-term stress, originates in situations that are persistent and often difficult to resolve.

These include prolonged unemployment while searching for new opportunities for months, living in unfavorable environmental or housing conditions, the arduous task of caring for a family member with a chronic illness or disability, or the challenges of a complex move to another city or country.

Ambivalent Effects of Eustress

Short-term stress Long-term stress (eustress), especially when perceived as a positive challenge, can have beneficial effects such as increased energy, greater motivation, alertness, and improved concentration and mental clarity.

However, even this type of stress can lead to anxiety, restlessness, feelings of being overwhelmed if the demands are high, occasional irritability, and even moments of sadness or frustration if the results are not as expected.

Initial Mental and Physiological Effects of Stress

On a mental level, even short-term stress can cause difficulty focusing, feelings of confusion, and temporary forgetfulness.

Physiologically, it is common for it to trigger tension headaches, mild digestive problems (such as an upset stomach),and alterations in sleep patterns (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and appetite (increase or decrease).

These are usually temporary effects if the stress is not prolonged.

Adaptation to Chronic Stress and Energy Depletion

When stress becomes chronic, the human body has a remarkable capacity for adaptation and the person can become "accustomed" to living under constant tension, without even perceiving it as abnormal.

However, this state of sustained physiological and psychological alert leads to progressive and significant wear and tear, depleting the body's energy reserves and leaving a generalized and persistent feeling of tiredness, fatigue and lack of vitality.