In the modern world, it has become fashionable to attribute all problems to stress. On the other hand, stress is indeed one of the causes of many psychosomatic diseases. All groups of the population are subject to stress, regardless of age, gender, profession. Long-term stress leads to increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and decreased sexual desire.

The causes of stress are the emergence of situations that are perceived by the psyche as dangerous. In this case, the body’s normal reaction becomes impossible. Mechanisms are being launched to mobilize all forces. This leads to the appearance of psychosomatic symptoms. The mechanism of stress is hormonal. Stress begins with the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine. The body's response to stress is the same for everyone. Hans Selye described the stages of stress in 1936.

• Alarm stage

This stage is a reaction to released hormones and is aimed at preparing for flight or defense. Adrenal hormones participate in its formation: adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as the immune and digestive systems. At the anxiety stage, the body's resistance to disease decreases. Appetite is disrupted and food absorption causes problems. If the situation is quickly resolved, these changes pass without leaving a trace. If the stressful situation is prolonged, and a solution to the problem does not arise, then the body becomes exhausted. Very severe stress, especially of a physiological nature (such as burns, pain, overheating, hypothermia) can even lead to death.

The transition of stress to this stage is possible only if the body’s strength copes with stress. During this stage of stress, the functioning of the body continues and is almost indistinguishable from normal. At the same time, psychological and physiological stresses are transferred to a high level, and the body’s forces are mobilized. Psychological manifestations of stress are: excitability, anxiety. These conditions usually decrease or disappear completely. However, we must remember that the body’s capabilities are not endless, and with continued exposure to different effects, the next stage of stress may occur.

• Exhaustion stage

In some features this stage is similar to the first stage. However, in this case, the mobilization of the body’s forces becomes impossible. Physiological and psychological symptoms at this stage are a cry for help, and if help is not provided to a person at the stage of exhaustion, somatic diseases and psychological disorders may appear. With continued exposure to the stressor, decompensation of the body occurs, illness and even death are possible. Decompensation of the body can manifest itself in the form of severe depression and nervous breakdown. The development of stress at this stage is irreversible. Getting out of a stressful state is possible only with medical help.

Causes of stress

Traditionally, the causes of stress are divided into two large groups: physiological and psychological. Physiological causes include traumatic actions and unfavorable environmental conditions: cold, heat, lack of food and water, injuries, threat to life. In modern conditions, psychological causes of stress are most common. There are emotional and informational forms of stress. They are united by the absence of a direct threat to life and health, as well as the duration of exposure and the impossibility of a natural reaction to stress. Exorbitant workload, constant conflicts, the need for creative solutions, monotonous work, high responsibility - all this leads to strain on the body's reserves. In most cases, psychosomatic diseases develop as a result of psychological influence.

Recently, another cause of stress has come to light: air, water and food pollution. Stress can be caused by living in high-rise buildings, constant use of transport, a large number of electrical appliances and household appliances, changes in the rhythm of wakefulness and sleep.

Whatever the causes of stress, the important thing is that stressors have a detrimental effect on people.

At the first stage, a person can cope with stress on his own, but starting from the second, he needs help. Stress therapy should be comprehensive and include both therapeutic measures and psychological assistance, as well as lifestyle changes.

With biological stress, it is enough to limit or eliminate traumatic factors. In the absence of long-term hormonal disorders, the body copes with recovery quite well. To eliminate psychological causes, a complex of therapeutic measures is necessary.

Stress is most often caused by normal lifestyle. Look at yourself from the outside. If you are constantly tormented by feelings of anxiety, you work too hard, eat poorly, sleep less than 8 hours a day, you need a lifestyle change. You are one step away from stress.

The stages of stress are classified in different ways, but a significant difference in conditions at different stages is recognized by specialists who study human stress conditions. Research into the stages of stress is important, as is research into stress in general. The main classifications of stages remain the works of Hans Selye, but the modern approach - a kind of “tree” and others - allows us to look at the course of stress in a new way.

Physiological stages

The founder of the doctrine of stress and its stages, Hans Selye, is the author of medical works, among which the work “Stress without Distress” is especially famous. The concept of stress began with research during which Selye discovered the so-called “syndrome” - a response to damage. The syndrome was also called the “triad” because it consisted of three main stages:

1. The first stage triggered the mechanisms of increased work of the adrenal glands, including an increase in their cortical layer and a general increase in activity.
2. The second stage was characterized by a decrease or even shrinkage of the thymus gland and the same decrease in the lymph glands.
3. The third is the appearance of pinpoint hemorrhages and the formation of tiny ulcers on the surface of the mucous membrane of the entire stomach and intestines.

Selye's merit in medicine in general and specifically in psychology lies primarily in the fact that he was able to describe these stages of the reaction in relation to almost all diseases to which the body reacts in some way. Hans Selye proved that similar reactions occur in the body under stress. Thus, changes in the adrenal glands, and reduction of glands, and the appearance of ulcers are peculiar stages of stress, its special mechanisms. According to Selye, the three stages of the stress reaction are the body’s responses to external influences and natural changes in certain organs and their activity.

"Tree" - a modern approach

Unlike Selye's theory, this approach does not describe the body's response to a stressor. The “tree” describes the phases of stress from its occurrence to its possible consequences. Like a real plant, the “tree” has quite expected components:

• roots are its basis;
• trunk - represents general psychological and physical stress caused by the influence of a stressor, which, by the way, can be absolutely any factor;
• leaves are peculiar symptoms of the disease;
• fruits - negative consequences of stress, developing diseases.

Of course, without roots (stressors) and a trunk there will be no symptoms or consequences, which, by the way, can be attributed to any disease. It is for this reason that experts are actively studying the occurrence of stress and the possibilities of getting rid of it.

The “Tree” concept helps not only in studying the main stages of stress, but also in a complete analysis of other diseases that also have roots - their sources.

Phases of mental state

Selye considered not only physiological stages. He also identified three stages depending on the characteristics of a person’s emotional state and behavior:

1. The alarm phase, in which all the body’s energy resources are mobilized under the influence of a stress factor.
2. Resistance phase - mobilized resources are spent as economically as possible to overcome the obstacle that has arisen. During this phase, productivity, the ability to effectively solve assigned tasks, even the most complex ones, and the ability to achieve one’s goals may increase. But, if this phase is not interrupted by quality rest for a long time, the body will work for wear and tear.
3. Exhaustion phase or distress. At this time, a person feels general weakness, weakness, and performance is greatly reduced. It is distress that leads to unpleasant, even serious consequences

The phases well describe a person’s state during stress, as well as possible scenarios for the development of events, ranging from strong-willed work and motivation for serious matters, ending with depression and complete indifference to the outside world caused by distress.

Other classification options

The phases of stress can be viewed from other angles - the works of Hans Selye and the concept of “Tree” are not the only views on the development of stress tension.

Step system

This theory does not consider stress itself, but certain stages of release from stress. The step system includes:

• getting rid of any signs and symptoms;
• reduction of overall voltage;
• complete relief from existing causes.

The sequence of steps begins with the lowest level - symptoms, and ends with the highest - eliminating the cause of stress, but it is not at all necessary that the patient and the attending physician will go through all three stages. It is possible that getting rid of the symptoms will be enough to improve the condition. The absence of tension will give a person the resource to cope with the causes of stress on his own, without resorting to outside help.

Stressor composition

Another gradation is the division of the stressor into its component parts. In this case, the following are distinguished:

• the situation, event or object that causes a stress reaction in a person;
• a person's attitude towards a situation or subject.

Stress curve

The chain of reactions occurring under stress can be represented by a curve familiar to many:

• growth and intensification of general tension;
• stress itself, which can be divided into smaller components described above;
• reduction and easing of general tension.

At the first stage, various symptoms may appear, at the second stage some consequences are already observed. The third stage is getting rid of stress; this stage is not reflected in many other theories, which makes the concept unique.

Bottom line

Each classification characterizes different aspects of the course of stress: emotional, physical or exclusively psychological reactions can equally be a source of knowledge about stress, its stages, as well as the basis for creating means of combating negative consequences.

Video: Torsunov O.G. "Stages of development of stress"

The term “stress” has become deeply embedded in the understanding of modern man. This negative phenomenon has become relevant due to the unstable and hostile environment of the 21st century, because the impact of a polluted environment, stressful everyday life, social problems, financial collapses, warriors, diseases - this affects everyone. “Stress” means a person’s emotional state, a change in his health and behavior against the background of threats to his social status, material wealth, health or life.

Types of stress should be considered from a physiological point of view. If you go into science, stress is the body’s response to alien, above-threshold stimuli. Stressors are various initiators of a stressful state, the biochemical basis of which does not change depending on the type of stimulus. So, stress allows you to react to changes in the environment, and the specific factor that brought the body out of balance and raised the question “how to return to the comfort zone?” is a stressor.

The basis of natural selection is adaptation - the ability to adapt to a changing environment. According to Darwin, in the course of evolution, the fittest species survive. Adaptation is a complex and not fully understood mechanism that serves as a “guarantor” of maintaining homeostasis - the stability of the internal environment of the body, and the preservation of the population.

It is known that a living organism is an open system from the point of view of thermodynamics, i.e. there is an exchange of energy and substances with the outside world. A change in certain parameters in this process gives rise to the need to take urgent measures to return to the “golden mean” state. The process of adaptation must keep pace with changes in the state of the organism and the environment. The stages of stress differ in symptoms and individual physiological processes.

Physiological stages of stress development.

The basis of the device is the nervous and endocrine systems. There are 3 stages of stress, and as a result of any adaptation process. Stages of stress development:

Alarm stage

The anxiety stage is the primary response to a stressor. Receptors respond to above-threshold stimulation and initiate the transmission of a nerve impulse to the central nervous system, where the information is “analyzed.” The central nervous system, in turn, makes a decision and sends mobilization commands to the relevant authorities.

“Rising on alarm” of the nervous system and, in particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal complex, allows you to immediately develop resistance to the stress factor and support physiological processes at this stage.

Increased synthesis of adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon, cortisol, aldosterone, thyroid hormones, vasopressin, somatotropin, release valuable energy molecules, ensure their rapid oxidation with the synthesis of ATP and the release of heat in the alarm stage. All the body’s resources are directed to the maximum load of the so-called. dominant organs that are directly involved in overcoming stress, and all others are relegated to the background.

Resistance stage

The resistance stage is a series of necessary adaptation measures. As exposure to the stimulus continues, the body spends more and more resources to compensate for its effect. The ultimate goal is to achieve and maintain equal “resistance” to the stressor for as long as possible. A restructuring of homeostasis occurs. In this state, the “living mechanism” can remain for several days, weeks, months and even years.

A distinctive feature of the stage is the anabolic phase of stress. Under the influence of steroid hormones, there is an increase in the expression of genes encoding specific adaptation chaperone proteins, which increase tissue resistance to repeated stress, stabilize cell membranes and protect them from the harmful stage of stress.

Exhaustion stage

The stage of exhaustion is the exhaustion of the body’s adaptive resources. Depletion of adaptive capabilities leads to disruption of the body's homeostasis and disruption of physiological mechanisms. The body's receptors also “feel” this state and send “SOS” signals about exhausted protective resources.

Under the influence of mainly 3 types of adrenal stress hormones: corticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, as well as pituitary vasopressin and somatotropin, metabolism shifts to catabolism - active oxidation of fatty acids, increased blood glucose levels, destruction of muscle fibers to produce amino acids, and others " shock" processes.

Prolonged stay in this stage leads to atrophy of peripheral tissues: primarily muscle and connective tissue. Under the influence of hormones on phospholipids, the integrity of biological cell membranes is disrupted and physiological processes are inhibited.

“Stress messengers” constrict peripheral blood vessels, increase heart rate, increasing blood flow in the central arteries - increasing blood pressure, and blood circulation, for example, in the gastrointestinal tract is significantly reduced. This condition, extended over time, causes tissue ischemia, cell degeneration, ulcers and erosions in the mucous membrane.

In addition, the functioning of the immune system is disrupted, which makes the body vulnerable to infections and increases the chance of developing cancer. Types of failures in immune mechanisms cause autoimmune diseases, incl. diabetes mellitus type I.

Psychology - the science of stress

All people are different, even if they can be classified according to the rules of the great science of psychology. Each person has his own thinking, behavior, interests, priorities in life, and therefore the reasons for anxiety are different for everyone. Therefore, it is impossible to create an unambiguous list of stress factors, because this is an individual concept.

Often, the cause of stress is not real threats to health, life, material or social well-being, but the cause “lives inside.” It is human nature to “make mountains out of molehills,” i.e. take insignificant moments too close to your heart. Many people, especially girls, experience chronic stress about their appearance, even having truly model parameters, supposedly “small breasts - only size 3”, “crooked nose”, “wide hips”, etc.

Inferiority complexes of various classifications, formed in childhood, torment and keep under constant tension throughout life. Therefore, psychology distinguishes between internal and external causes of stress. External ones are those factors that can actually make you “worry”, while internal types do not go beyond the limits of consciousness.

Stress is an experience, a shock suffered. Most often, stress refers to a negative event in life: divorce, dismissal from work, loss of status in society, death of a loved one, etc. However, extremely joyful moments also fall under the same definition: the first kiss, marriage, career success, the birth of a child, a gold medal at a championship, winning the lottery.

Depending on the psychological predisposition, such types of stress can pass as minor anxiety, or leave a deep imprint in a person’s life, resulting in depression, even severe mental disorder.

From a psychological point of view

According to the classification in psychology, there are similar types of stress and three stages:

At the beginning of the stress development stage, a person is “as if possessed by a demon” - he loses the ability to monitor his speech and his actions, becomes tactless towards friends, relatives, and work colleagues. At the slightest dispute, it eventually becomes personal. The “possessed” one gradually moves away from everyone and retreats into a corner. This is only the first stage of three!

Followed by direct stress. The patient experiences a partial or complete loss of self-control, it seems that he is “on automatic”, and the information is periodically formatted - the person may not remember his recent phrases and actions, or may not be fully aware of them. The duration of this condition depends on the scale of the stress factor and the individual mental state. Coming to his senses, he repents of his actions and asks for forgiveness.

Final stage stress implies a gradual recovery from the state. This is followed by a certain “catharsis” - the person becomes aware of his behavior and experiences a feeling of guilt and shame.

Frequent stress sets the stage for mental health problems.

If a person has been exposed to stress syndrome once, as a rule, a relapse will occur. The frequency and types of stress “bouts” may vary. Stress experienced in childhood takes root most deeply. Throughout life they are like a ticking time bomb. Even a small provoking factor is enough for a person to literally “explode”, each time destroying his own “I” in the individual. Cognitive perception is impaired, he sees everyone as an “enemy”, blaming others for his situation.

Statistics - nothing personal

A person’s first concern is the safety of life and health, both of himself and his loved ones. If these values ​​are threatened, this becomes a cause of great stress.

Money rules the world. A modern person “sells his soul” to the bank in exchange for vital loans to purchase services and benefits of civilization. Most often, the cause of stress is precisely these dirty, but important means of mutual exchange - money. Debts, outstanding loans, mortgages, bankruptcies, thefts can even lead to suicide.

Problems in your personal life, disagreements with your girlfriend, quarrels with your wife, disagreements with family members, friends, colleagues, can drive you into deep depression. Social relationships have the greatest influence on the psychology of the individual.

What is a sense of life? A person truly lives if he has managed to find the answer to this question for himself. Some are looking for self-expression in art, sculpture, architecture, music, while others simply do not have the opportunity to do this. There may be many reasons, but the result is the same - constant stress and a painful feeling of being “extra in this world.” These types of stress are often observed in adolescents.

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The main stages of stress: several scientific approaches

Any stress usually has three stages. The stages of stress are divided differently in different classifications, but their existence is recognized by all specialists who study human stress conditions. After all, stress, like all the protective mechanisms of the human body, is not single, but assembled from component parts that work mutually. That is why its individual stages are as important as the overall system.

The views on the stages of development of stress are very different; several scientific classifications and studies can be distinguished, but the work of Hans Selye in psychology and a kind of “tree” that also describes in detail the phases of stress remain fundamental.

"Tree" - a modern approach

It is the roots that cause stress, its basis. The trunk represents general psychological and physical stress caused by the influence of a stressor, which, by the way, can be absolutely any factor.

Emotional phases

The anxiety phase, when all the energy resources of the body seem to be mobilized before something really serious.

The phase of exhaustion or distress, also described by Hans Selye. At this time, a person feels general weakness and even some weakness, and his performance is almost completely reduced. This phase can be fought with willpower, but in the end it can lead to unpleasant and sometimes even serious consequences, which are much better to avoid.

The phases of stress can be viewed from other angles - the works of Hans Selye and the created “tree” are not at all the only views on the growth and development of human psychological and physical stress.

Step system

getting rid of any signs and symptoms;

reduction of overall voltage;

complete relief from existing causes.

The sequence of these steps begins with the lowest level and ends with the highest, but it is not at all necessary that the patient and his attending physician will go through all three stages. It is quite possible that the lowest level - getting rid of symptoms - will be enough to improve the condition, or it may be that only complete getting rid of any causes, without working on the symptoms, will help a person.

Another gradation is the division of the stressor into its component parts. In this case, the following are distinguished:

the situation itself, an event or even an object that causes a reaction in a person;

Well, perhaps the simplest and most understandable chain of reactions that usually occur can be represented by a curve familiar to many graphs:

growth and intensification of general tension;

reduction and easing of general tension.

At the first stage, various symptoms may begin to appear; at the second, some consequences can already be observed. The third stage gives, if incomplete, then still relief from stress. This stage, by the way, is not reflected in many other theories. Even a “tree” ends in fruits - negative consequences, beyond which there is no description.

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Selye on the stages of stress

One of the most important names in the study of the stages of stress is the name of Hans Selye, the author of numerous medical works, including in psychology, among which the work “Stress without Distress” is very famous. The concept of stress began with Selye's research, during which the so-called syndrome or damage response reaction was discovered. This syndrome was also called a triad because it consisted of three main stages. The first stage triggered the mechanisms of increased work of the adrenal glands, including an increase in their cortical layer and a general increase in activity. The second stage was characterized by a decrease or even shrinkage of the thymus gland and the same decrease in the lymph glands, and the third stage was characterized by the appearance of pinpoint hemorrhages and the formation of tiny ulcers on the surface of the mucous membrane of the entire stomach and intestines.

Selye's merit in medicine in general and specifically in psychology lies primarily in the fact that he was able to describe these stages of the reaction in relation to almost all diseases to which the body reacts in some way. Hans Selye proved that similar reactions occur in the body when it is exposed to stress, so changes in the adrenal glands, reduction of glands, and the appearance of ulcers are all peculiar stages of stress, its special mechanisms. Thus, according to Selye, the three stages of the stress reaction are the body’s responses to external influences and natural changes in certain organs and their activity.

Unlike Selye, the “tree” does not describe the body’s reaction to stress; it is based on completely different stages of stress, of which there are not even three.

The “tree” describes the phases of stress from its occurrence to its possible consequences. Like a real plant, this “tree” has quite expected components:

The leaves are peculiar symptoms of the disease, but the fruits are its negative consequences or even developing diseases. Of course, without roots (stressors) and a trunk, there will be neither symptoms nor consequences, which, by the way, is also the definition of any disease. That is why specialists in most cases study the occurrence of stress and the possibility of getting rid of it, where the “tree” and its theory help, rather than, as Selye did, studying the characteristics of the body’s reactions caused by the occurrence of certain situations.

“Tree” can help not only in studying the main stages of stress, but also in a complete analysis of all other diseases, which also have roots and their own special sources.

Selye considered the physiological stages, the “tree” is aimed at describing, rather, the general state, but they also highlight the features of the emotional state and behavior of a person.

The resistance phase, when already mobilized resources are spent as economically and balancedly as possible to overcome difficulties and combat emerging difficulties. A person during this phase can work very productively, effectively solve even the most complex tasks assigned to him and achieve his goals, but the body will work for wear if this phase is not interrupted by quality rest for a long time.

These phases perfectly represent the state of a person and his attitude to stress, as well as all his possible behavior options, ranging from strong-willed work and motivation for serious matters to depression and complete indifference to the world around him caused by distress.

Other methods for determining the stages of stress

Another theory considers the stages of getting rid of stress as the most important part of working on it. These include:

Stressor composition

a person's attitude towards this situation or subject.

Stress curve

stress itself, which can already be divided into smaller components described above;

Each classification characterizes only a few aspects of the course of stress, which affect the state of the body and subsequent changes in health. Emotional, physical or purely psychological reactions can equally be a source of study of stress and all its stages, as well as the basis for creating a fight against its negative and harmful consequences.

Stress and its stages

Stress is usually called a state of tension that occurs under the influence of strong influences. The concept of “stress” also refers to the irritating physical, mental or biological factors themselves. The main stages of stress can be traced regardless of the nature of the irritating factor. The founder of the concept of stress, Canadian physiologist G. Selye, identified 3 main stages of stress.

Alarm stage

Shock or anxiety stage. At this moment, the body’s defenses are mobilized. A person’s breathing and pulse quicken, and their blood pressure rises. Mentally, excitement increases. A person concentrates all his attention on the stimulus. At the same time, the person begins to lose self-control. He gradually loses the ability to consciously and intelligently control his behavior. The body turns on defense mechanisms against stress. A person cannot remain at this stage of stress for long. If the body manages to cope with stress at this stage, then gradually the anxiety subsides and the stress ends. And if it fails, then the next stage of stress begins.

Resistance stage

This stage occurs if the stress factor continues to operate. At this stage, the body turns on its reserve reserve of strength. All body systems work at maximum load. At this stage, two options for the development of the situation are possible. Either a person becomes overly active, his activity efficiency increases, mobilization of forces occurs, or a sharp decrease in activity occurs, its effectiveness is lost, passivity and general inhibition appear. A person’s behavior in a stressful situation primarily depends on his individual mental characteristics.

Exhaustion stage

If the previous stages of stress are passed, and the body’s adaptive forces are not great enough, the third stage begins - the stage of exhaustion. It occurs under conditions of very long exposure to a stress factor. At this stage of tension, the body's reserve forces are exhausted and depleted. This situation can lead to illness or deterioration in the general condition of the body. Here are some diseases that occur due to stress:

cardiovascular diseases: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, hypertension;

neurological diseases: neuroses, insomnia, migraine;

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, peptic ulcer;

diseases of the musculoskeletal system: osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy.

Chronic and prolonged stress is one of the risk factors for cancer and mental illness.

The duration of the stages of stress is strictly individual and often depends on the depth of the tension experienced and the specific situation: from several minutes (and even seconds) to several weeks.

Stress: three stages, how to overcome

Modern man is accustomed to being in a tense state. The rhythm of life has an influence, the flow of information falls on a person every day. And it seems that stress is inevitable; it has even been classified as a disease of the 21st century. To prevent stressful conditions from turning into depression, they must be dealt with.

How stress affects a person

Living conditions change, progress does not stand still, and it is difficult for people to change and adapt to new conditions. With constant stress, a person feels changes, they relate to the psychological and physiological state.

From the physiological side, the following symptoms appear:

Headaches leading to migraines;

Blood pressure increases;

Problems with the heart and blood vessels appear;

A person does not get enough sleep, private insomnia depletes the body;

Problems with the skin and gastrointestinal tract appear.

Along with an unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy diet, stress also worsens a person’s psychological state. Psychological symptoms include the following:

The person becomes irritable;

Loss of appetite;

Reduces interest in communication;

Memory deteriorates;

It becomes difficult to concentrate;

Optimism disappears, unnecessary thoughts come to mind.

Many people find such symptoms in themselves, but do not associate this with upcoming depression. It seems that you just need to rest for a couple of days, get some sleep, and everything will pass. The seriousness of the situation lies in the fact that stressful conditions drag on every day. We will tell you how to deal with stress in this article.

Bad habits aggravate a serious condition; a person turns to them to relieve psychological stress. These are cigarettes, alcohol, the Internet, they allow you to escape from unwanted reality for a while. Temporary forgetfulness aggravates the situation, and the body suffers even more. Therefore, it is worth finding methods to combat the disease that will not cause addiction. To do this, you need to understand what stress is, its causes, and its stages. Stress and its impact on a person always negatively affects not only morale, but also physical health.

Three stages of stress

People are exposed to nervous conditions regardless of their place of work, financial and social status, gender, or age. The stages of the process are the same; a person goes through 3 stages of stress:

At the initial stage, changes occur in the body: blood pressure rises, the heart begins to beat faster, appetite disappears or increases, digestive problems appear, and libido decreases. An anxious state reduces the body's immunity, and a person becomes defenseless against diseases.

The emotional state negatively affects the stomach first of all. A person refuses to eat, as they say, “a piece won’t fit in the throat,” or he begins to eat stress and anxiety. In both cases, the gastrointestinal tract suffers, which leads to malfunction, increased workload, and the production of excess enzymes, which corrode the walls of the stomach and intestines.

From a psychological point of view, a person notes increased aggressiveness and irritability, loss of sleep, and during the day he is haunted by a sleepy state, changes in body weight are possible. If the source of stress disappears, the first stage ends on its own. If the tension continues, changes occur in the psyche. The stage of resistance begins.

Resistance is an attempt by the body to adapt to current conditions. There is an increase in strength, the body throws it into continuing a full life. But human capabilities are not limitless. The body cannot constantly veil psychological stress, although outwardly the person’s condition looks normal.

The duration of the stage depends on the internal reserves of the human body. If you do nothing to eliminate the causes of stress, then gradually your strength will run out and the third stage will begin - exhaustion. This is a dangerous moment and should not be brought to this point.

Exhaustion has symptoms similar to the initial stage of stress. The difference is that the body’s strength is depleted, there is nothing to mobilize. This leads to the development of diseases:

Somatic in nature (up to psychological disorder);

Decompensation (depressive state);

Breakdown.

The danger is that this stage is defined by doctors as irreversible. The changes occurring in the body lead to death. A person is not able to get out of this condition on his own; drug treatment under the supervision of a specialist is required. Treatment consists of taking sedative medications and regular sessions with a psychologist.

It is important to learn how to cope with stress at an early stage.

Stress in the workplace

A person spends most of his life at work. Stressful situations during work have an active impact on a person. These include factors that are directly related to work and external factors:

Social component;

Economic and financial changes.

An unsatisfactory financial situation leads to constant stress. A person finds a part-time job, time for family and leisure is reduced, which aggravates the situation and results in three stages of stress.

Group factors also have an influence, they include:

In an unfriendly team, the participant feels uncomfortable. The reasons lie in the attitude of management or colleagues;

Within collective squabbles and conflicts are associated with the incompatibility of the characters of group members, personal goals, and values.

Factors that bring psychological discomfort also include personal reasons related to work and working conditions - high temperature in the room, the presence of increased noise, and design features of the workplace.

The psychological mood and factors associated with the direct performance of duties influence:

Uncertainty about maintaining a job as the only source of income, doubts about one’s abilities;

Inability to express oneself in the workplace, performing mechanical or monotonous work;

Complex or specific nature of work, lack of independence in decision making;

Difficulties in communicating with colleagues, role ambiguity, uncertainty in relationships;

Aggressive management style of the organization, dual leadership, increased pressure from managers and directors;

Shift or rotating work schedule that disrupts the normal rhythm of life.

These working conditions increase the stress component in a person’s life and at work. The degree of influence depends on the person himself, his resistance to stress and sensitivity.

The experience of people and psychologists suggests that stress at work can be managed. In difficult situations, when it is impossible to find a way out, you should think about changing jobs. Sometimes this is a justifiable step. If a person does not think that drastic measures are possible, the issue needs to be resolved on the spot. How to relieve stress:

• A healthy lifestyle and a balance of diet, sleep and physical activity. It has been noticed that people who go in for sports also endure psychological difficulties more easily.
• The ability to relax. These skills will be useful in life. People who know how to relax, leave worries and problems outside the door, adapt to change more easily.
• The ability to conduct self-analysis and a sober assessment of the causes of nervous tension and the occurrence of stressful situations helps. You should not blame yourself, you need to analyze your strengths that will help you avoid stress or minimize the consequences.
• Interests, hobbies, favorite things. Work should be fun. A person needs a hobby, a “stress pill” that brings moral satisfaction. This will help relieve nervous tension.

A good mood, a sense of humor, relationships with others based on mutual respect, the ability to find pleasure in small things and everyday activities will bring peace and create a favorable atmosphere for a stress-free life.

I bought it last week and am extremely happy about it. I’m taking calming pills for the first time and now I’m thinking - why didn’t I buy them before when I was stressed?... Relaxen calms me down very well, my heartbeat decreases, and it stops pulsating in my temples. I would be willing to pay a lot more money for such an effect.

It seems to me that stress is especially dangerous for women, it affects not only the internal, psychological state, but also externally... What beauty is there if you toss and turn half the night and cannot sleep, and in the morning you get up with the same stress and rumpled? It is very visible on the skin - it becomes thin, wrinkles appear. It's all about nerves. And aging from them. I usually try to relax as much as possible before going to bed, even if I’m stressed - a glass of dry red wine, hot tea with lemon balm or a “relaxen” tablet from Baikal skullcap with hops. Helps you sleep. And I look better the next day.

When I have stress and insomnia, I take the herbal remedy Edas 111 Passionflower. Plus, of course, walks, sports and vitamins. And I quickly return to normal.

Yes, many ailments really come from nerves. For example, I started having problems with the blood vessels in my head due to stress. I had headaches almost every day. Fortunately, the neurologist prescribed me a course of Vasobral to normalize cerebral circulation. A drug with a mild antidepressant effect. I felt better both physically and mentally. Now I feel great and try to avoid conflicts and anything that can provoke nervous tension. By the way, I have never come across such drugs. In my opinion, it has no worthy analogues - analog drugs.rf/analog/vazobral.html

Stress must be dealt with; under no circumstances should it be left behind. We simply have a misconception that “it will go away on its own,” but everyone forgets that very often it is stressful conditions that become the cause of other, physiological diseases! I also waved my hand at one time, so what? As a result, advanced gastritis (I cured my nerves, but my stomach is now a problem for life.
So, as soon as I start to feel that I can’t cope with my emotions myself, I resort to the help of relaxing drugs. I usually take Novopassit (it’s very advertised, but it still helps me, even though everyone doesn’t say so), or German “relaxium” from Ayunova.

Stress is one of the most important reasons for the development of psychosomatic pathologies. It can occur in absolutely every person, regardless of their gender, working conditions, or age. A condition such as distress, which implies a long and intense course, passing through all phases of stress, is a trigger for the development of hypertension and various arrhythmias. It can also cause disruption of the digestive canal, leading to gastritis or colitis. Headaches and decreased libido almost always accompany stress.

The main causes of stress are considered to be a large number of different situations that we perceive as dangerous, and quite often there is an inadequate reaction to them. This triggers mechanisms for mobilizing the protective resources of our body. This causes the development of stress, the stages of which are known to almost all people.

It should be borne in mind that stress is realized through the release of hormones into the bloodstream. The main characters are adrenaline and norepinephrine. This means that the main manifestations of this condition will be those caused by these hormones. The body of absolutely all people reacts to stress in a completely identical way, so there are three stages of stress, described back in 1936 by the scientist Hans Selye.

Main etiological reasons

Experts divide trigger factors for stress into physiological and psychological. The former provoke the development of biological stress, and the latter psycho-emotional.

Physiological causes are considered to be those impacts that can injure a person due to unfavorable environmental conditions or other traumatic impacts. Most often we are talking about temperature conditions, all kinds of damage, insufficient food or water, life-threatening factors, as well as other situations that can undermine health.

However, today much more attention is paid to psychological aspects. They are divided into informational and emotional components, which relate to psychological reasons. They do not harm human health, but the duration of their influence is much longer, which reduces the possibility of a normal, natural reaction to them. This leads to significantly increased stress levels. Psychosomatic pathologies develop precisely under the influence of psychological stress.

All stages of stress development arise under the influence of conflict situations, high workload, the constant need to invent something, or, conversely, from overly monotonous work. A high level of responsibility also implies a high level of stress, since the body is constantly tense, which leads to the depletion of its protective reserves.

Recent research from specialists in this field highlights environmental stress. The body's ability to survive in difficult conditions is studied. This is not just about environmental pollution. For example, living in apartment or high-rise buildings, neglecting physical activity due to the elevator or transport, the presence of all kinds of electrical appliances. All this leads to disruption of normal human biorhythms, provoking a constant high level of stress.

Anxiety

All phases of stress have a typical course. Anxiety is characterized by the fact that the body, having received a surge of hormones, begins its preparation to protect itself from a traumatic factor or to escape from it. This stage develops due to the influence of adrenal hormones; the immune system and digestive organs also take part in it. It should be taken into account that a decrease in the body’s resistance to pathogenic microorganisms also applies to this stage. This also includes processes such as decreased appetite and impaired digestion of food.

If a traumatic, stressful situation was quickly resolved, then all the changes to which the body has undergone will pass without any trace or harm. It can be resolved in the following ways:

• The escape;
• Fight;
• Truce;
• Conflict resolution by any means.

With a prolonged course of such a factor, inadequate reactions of the body may begin, which indicate that the body’s reserves are running out. In the case of very strong stressful situations, especially those that have a physiological basis - injuries, overheating, hypothermia, very often lead to death.

Resistance or resistance

The second stage occurs when the level of adaptive capabilities of the human body is significantly exceeded; it cannot cope with such a load on its own. This stage of stress implies the continuation of the functioning of the body, while it is very difficult to distinguish it from normal by external signs. All processes, both physiological and psychological, are mobilized, they move to higher levels. All psychological manifestations, such as anxiety, aggressive behavior, increased excitability, are significantly reduced and may disappear completely.

It should be borne in mind that the human body cannot adapt indefinitely; there are certain levels that cannot be exceeded. If this happens, then the person goes through all the phases of stress development at once, and so-called exhaustion develops.

Exhaustion is somewhat similar to the first stage of severe stress, but has nothing in common with the second. It is important to understand that it is already impossible to mobilize all the body’s reserves. Consequently, right now he is screaming for help, both physiologically and psychologically.

During stage 3, there is a high risk of developing psychosomatic pathologies, and a large number of psychological pathologies also arise. If the stress factor is not eliminated from contact with a person, then his condition is significantly decompensated, and in especially severe cases, death is possible.

Often decompensation manifests itself as long-term severe depression. It is also possible to develop a nervous breakdown. The dynamics of this stage of stress are always negative, that is, in order for a person to win, he needs outside support. Sometimes these can be psychological aspects of help, psychotherapy, and quite often they resort to medications. It is important to promptly eliminate the trigger factor, as well as help the person overcome it.

Treatment

If the level of stress is insignificant, then it can be overcome without outside help. But the second stage requires outside support. Treatment of stress should always be comprehensive. It includes not only psychological support, but also various therapeutic measures. Particular attention should be paid to a person's lifestyle.

Biological stress requires the elimination of the traumatic factor, after which patients are prescribed medicinal procedures or drugs. Quite often they are not required, since the hormonal imbalance is very short-lived.

Psychological stress, along with environmental stress, requires the following approaches:

• Rationalization of lifestyle. This is the basis for successful healing. It requires changes in all areas, giving up bad habits, normalizing work and rest, and sleep. You should also pay attention to a nutritious diet and physical activity. Elimination of excess body weight and regular exercise will not be superfluous.
• The second most important approach to stress therapy is the use of adequate physical activity. It is the physiological mechanism for the disposal of stress hormones. With its help, it is also possible to prevent this condition, since it can prevent its development or significantly reduce its intensity. It is also important to note that physical activity promotes the production of hormones of pleasure or joy - endorphins, serotonin. The type of activity should be selected individually by the attending physician; it directly depends on the physical fitness and capabilities of the individual patient.
• Psychological support – psychotherapy sessions. The duration of such treatment is selected by a specialist.
• Drug therapy depends on the severity of stress and the presence of psychosomatic pathology.

Stress is a response to external factors. It is considered one of the main causes of psychosomatic diseases. According to research, the stages of stress at different stages have differences, knowledge of which will become a tool for effectively combating negative consequences.

Types and symptoms of stress

For many, this concept is associated with negative emotions, but according to the nature of a person’s reaction to a stressful situation, two types of conditions are distinguished:

1. Eustress caused by positive emotions helps a person to mobilize and understand the stages of solving a problem in order to prevent complications of the situation.
2. Distress is a negative manifestation that reduces the body's defenses. This condition leads to depletion of the body's resources, as well as significant changes in human health and behavior.

Depending on the nature of the stimulus, stress can be of several types:

• physical - a person is affected by weather or temperature phenomena: heat, cold, rain, wind;
• emotional - arising as a result of strong experiences;
• physiological - occurs due to disruptions in the functioning of individual human organs, injuries, and excessive physical activity.

The duration of the condition varies and can be of 2 types:

• short-term - suddenly appears, develops and goes away after the source is eliminated;
• chronic is the most destructive form of the body, lasting for a long time.

Stress hormones affect various indicators of the human body, causing numerous reactions, among which the most common symptoms are the following:

• increased fatigue and reluctance to communicate with others;
• depression;
• constant dissatisfaction and irritation;
• lack of concentration;
• refusal to eat or increased appetite;
• arrhythmia and accelerated pulse;
• attacks of suffocation and dizziness.

The pathological condition includes 3 stages of general adaptation syndrome.

Stages of stress development

Canadian physiologist Hans Selye classified 3 stages of stress that are interconnected. Each phase has its own characteristics. At the moment of exposure to the stimulus, the body’s response appears - the speed of change of stages depends on various factors:

• mental stability to negative changes;
• strength of the stress factor;
• ability to assess the situation;
• state of the central nervous system of the body;
• experience of behavior in a similar situation.

Due to the individual characteristics of the nervous system, people react differently to the same mental stress.

The first stage of stress: anxiety

The first stage, the anxiety reaction, occurs when a stressful situation occurs. At this time, the body's resistance decreases. The state of anxiety prevails over other feelings at this stage. Reacting to hormones, the body prepares to defend itself or flee. This phase of stress is characterized by the following reactions:

• disturbance of appetite and digestion of food;
• loss of ability to evaluate one's own actions or thoughts;
• poor self-control;
• feeling of restlessness, anxiety;
• a change in behavior to the opposite (an emotional and active person withdraws into himself, while a balanced person can flare up or show aggression).

Second stage of stress: resistance

If a person is able to cope with the situation, phase 2 of adaptation begins. During the resistant stage, the defenses are strengthened - the body actively resists the external stimulus. At this moment, it is important to find motivation to cope with the problem that has arisen. The following processes occur:

• mobilization of body systems;
• reduction of psychological manifestations of stress (aggression, arousal process, feelings of anxiety).

If the stressful situation stops, gradually all body functions return to normal. If the source persists, the next stage of stress development begins.

Stage three of stress: exhaustion

This phase of stress development is characterized by exhaustion of the nervous system—the body’s resources are exhausted. The person is unable to cope with the factors that caused the disorder. At this moment, various pathological conditions may appear:

• repeated feelings of anxiety;
• guilt complex;
• cosmetic disorders (skin rashes, hair loss, wrinkles, etc.);
• psychological disorders;
• depression;
• psychosomatic diseases (dermatitis, high blood pressure, bronchial asthma, etc.);
• circulatory disorders;
• in severe cases - death.

Understanding the causes of stress, the stages of which can be traced regardless of the nature of the stimulus, is an important condition for the successful resolution of the situation.

How to recover from stress

It is important for a person who has experienced three stages of stress to overcome psychological discomfort, since prolonged stress is a dangerous condition that destroys the body and leads to a nervous breakdown. Effective recovery measures are needed. There are various ways to do this, from which you can choose one or more options:

• elimination of the stress factor, otherwise negative changes in the person’s condition will continue;
• proper rest to recuperate;
• psychotherapy sessions will help formulate life values ​​and increase psychological stability;
• physical activity will help get rid of negative energy;
• breathing techniques reduce the effects of stress and reduce its impact;
• physiotherapeutic methods have a positive effect on the nervous system: magnetic and acupuncture therapy, acupressure, etc.;
• spa therapy procedures restore in a natural way: balneology, mud therapy, thalassotherapy, etc.;
• meditation is a way by which a person is able to help himself;
• art therapy is a treatment method that helps shift attention to creativity;
• aromatherapy calms the nervous system by affecting the olfactory receptors with aromas;
• travel, during which a person gains new acquaintances, emotions and sensations;
• medications: sedatives, antidepressants, dietary supplements, etc.

In addition to the above, it is important to pay attention to nutrition. A well-designed diet will help the body cope with the negative consequences:

• no overeating;
• refusal of high-calorie foods;
• adding to the diet foods that promote the production of endorphins - happiness hormones: bananas, strawberries, avocados, dark chocolate;
• reducing the consumption of caffeine-containing products: coffee, tea, Coca-cola;
• limiting meat and fish dishes;
• exclusion of alcoholic beverages.

Each person who has experienced a stressful situation is recommended to select an individual recovery method based on his mental state and needs.