Healthful Living – Lesson 3.1: Understanding Stress and Other Adverse Events

Stress

The body's physical and psychological reactions to situations perceived as threatening or challenging.

Stressor

Any event, situation, or factor that causes a person to experience stress

Eustress

Positive stress that encourages growth, improves performance, and increases motivation.

Distress

Negative stress that causes unpleasant feelings and can have harmful effects on physical and mental health.

Acute Stress

Short-term stress that occurs in response to an immediate challenge or stressful event

Chronic Stress

Stress that continues over a long period of time and may negatively affect overall health

Technostress

Stress caused by technology, including constant notifications, social media, and digital demands.

Inner Conflict

Stress that occurs when a person experiences opposing thoughts, feelings, desires, or values

Trauma

Extreme psychological or emotional stress resulting from a deeply disturbing or frightening event

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Potentially traumatic experiences that occur during childhood or adolescence

Toxic Stress

Stress caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to severe stressors

Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn Response

The body's automatic reaction to a perceived threat, preparing a person to fight, escape, freeze, or appease

Relaxation Response

The physiological process through which the body returns to its normal resting state after experiencing stress

Alarm Stage

The first stage of the stress response, during which the body recognizes a threat and activates its defense mechanisms

Resistance Stage

The second stage of the stress response, when the body continues attempting to manage an ongoing stressor

Exhaustion Stage

The final stage of prolonged stress, when the body's resources become depleted and the risk of illness increases

Endocrine System

The body system responsible for producing and releasing hormones that regulate various functions, including the stress response

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

A hormone released during stress that increases heart rate, breathing, and energy availability

Norepinephrine

 A hormone and neurotransmitter that increases alertness, attention, and the body's readiness to respond to stress

Cortisol

 A hormone released during stress that helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar, and the body's stress response

Nervous System

The body system that processes information, detects threats, and coordinates physical and mental responses to stress

Cardiovascular System

The body system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that circulates blood throughout the body

Blood Pressure

The force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels, which can increase during stressful situations

Glucose

A type of sugar that provides energy to the body's cells and becomes more available during the stress response

Immune System

The body's defense system against infections and diseases, which can become less effective during prolonged stress

Digestive System

The body system responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, which can be negatively affected by stress

Cognitive Effects

Changes in thinking, memory, concentration, learning, and decision-making that may occur because of stress

Acute Stress Disorder

A mental health condition that develops after a traumatic event, with symptoms lasting from three days to one month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD

A mental health condition characterized by persistent psychological and emotional reactions following a traumatic experience

Burnout

A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion associated with prolonged or overwhelming stress