Are There Different Types of Stress?

Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress: acute stress, episodic acute stress, chronic stress, and posttraumatic stress, each with its own characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches.

Acute stress is the most common form of stress. It comes from demands and pressures of the recent past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Because it is short-term, acute stress does not have enough time to do the extensive damage associated with long-term stress. Acute stress can crop up in anyone's life, and it is highly treatable and manageable.

Those who suffer acute stress frequently are dealing with episodic acute stress. It is common for people with episodic acute stress to be over-aroused, short-tempered, irritable, anxious, and tense. Interpersonal relationships deteriorate rapidly when others respond with real hostility. Work becomes a very stressful place for them. Often, lifestyle and personality issues are so ingrained and habitual with these individuals that they see nothing wrong with the way they conduct their lives. They blame their woes on other people and external events. Frequently, they see their lifestyles, patterns of interacting with others, and ways of perceiving the world as part and parcel of who and what they are. Without proper coping strategies, episodic acute stress develops into chronic stress.

Chronic stress is the grinding stress that wears people away day after day, year after year. It destroys bodies, minds, and lives. It is the stress of unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time. The worst aspect of chronic stress is that people get used to it. They forget it is there. People are immediately aware of acute stress because it is new. Chronic stress is ignored because it is familiar and almost comfortable.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stems from traumatic experiences that become internalized and remain forever painful and present. Individuals experiencing PTSD could exhibit signs of hypervigilance (an easily triggered startle response). People with an exaggerated startle response are easily startled by any number of things (e.g., loud noises, doors slamming, shouting). They usually feel tense or on edge. Along with hypervigilance, people experiencing PTSD symptoms also could be dealing with avoidance issues including staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience; feeling emotionally numb; feeling strong guilt, depression, or worry; losing interest in activities that were enjoyable in the past; and having trouble remembering the dangerous event. People experiencing PTSD symptoms wear down to breaking points because physical and mental resources are depleted through long-term attrition. The symptoms of posttraumatic stress are difficult to treat and may require the help of a doctor or mental health professional. mft continuing education, social worker continuing education