Eustress and Distress affect the physical functioning of the body in similar ways. What is the difference between these two types of stress? Also discuss the physical stress response. What are stress hormones and what do they do in the human body?
Difference Between Eustress and Distress
Eustress:
- Positive Stress: Eustress is a type of stress that is perceived as positive or beneficial. It typically results from situations that are challenging but enjoyable, such as starting a new job, getting married, or competing in a sports event.
- Motivating: Eustress can enhance performance, motivate individuals to take action, and improve overall well-being.
- Short-Term: Often, eustress is short-term and can provide a sense of fulfillment or achievement.
Distress:
- Negative Stress: Distress is negative stress that can cause anxiety, concern, or discomfort. It usually arises from adverse situations, such as losing a job, experiencing a divorce, or facing overwhelming work demands.
- Harmful: Distress can hinder performance, contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and adversely affect physical health.
- Long-Term: If chronic, distress can lead to significant health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and weakened immune function.
Physical Stress Response
The body’s physical response to stress, whether eustress or distress, follows a similar pattern known as the “fight-or-flight” response. This involves:
- Perception of Stress: When a stressful event is perceived, the hypothalamus in the brain is activated.
- Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System: The hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body to respond to the threat.
- Release of Stress Hormones: The adrenal glands release stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol into the bloodstream.
- Physiological Changes: These hormones cause various physiological changes to prepare the body for immediate action:
- Increased Heart Rate: To pump more blood to muscles and vital organs.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: To ensure adequate blood flow.
- Rapid Breathing: To increase oxygen intake.
- Muscle Tension: To prepare muscles for quick movements.
- Dilated Pupils: To improve vision.
- Decreased Digestion: To conserve energy for immediate use.
Stress Hormones and Their Functions
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine):
- Function: Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate “fight-or-flight” response. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies.
- Impact: It prepares the body for quick action by enhancing physical performance and alertness.
- Cortisol:
- Function: Cortisol helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure, and it regulates body functions that are not essential in an emergency, such as immune responses, digestion, and growth processes.
- Impact: While it helps the body manage stress, prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to health problems, such as immune suppression, hypertension, and metabolic disturbances.
In summary, while eustress and distress both activate the body’s stress response, eustress is generally beneficial and motivating, whereas distress can be harmful if experienced chronically. The physical stress response involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to handle the perceived threat. These hormones play crucial roles in managing the body’s reaction to stress, but prolonged exposure to them can lead to adverse health effects.