STAGES OF STRESS

……Dr. Hans Selye, the highly acclaimed Endocrinologist and the father of modern studies on Stress, while presenting the General Adaptation Syndrome, revealed that as the stress starts taking its toll there are three very evident stages through which the person goes through. These phases are : 

The Alarm, the Resistance, and the Exaustion phase. 

The Alarm Phase :  

……The Alarm phase is characterised by the triggering on the Stress Alert System (the fight or flight response). There is thus an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, and the simultaneous inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system. Alarm is generated in the body and the whole body starts preparing for a fight or take a flight. There is a flush of energy, and all activities are speeded up. The pressure is evident and could be seen in his excitement or fear. 

The Resistance Phase : 

……In the Resistance phase because of the continuity of the stressful conditions there is depletion of energy, the person feels run down. As the pressure mounts he struggles to meet the various demands expected of him. He starts getting bouts of irritation, there is over-reaction to minor isuues, sleep pattern starts getting altered and he starts getting weaker both mentally & physically. Very clear physical, psychological and behavioural changes are observed by others. 

The Exhaustion Phase : 

……When the stressful condition prolongs, and even after observing distinct symptoms of resistance phase, appropriate measures are not resorted to, then the Exhaustion phase takes over. As the very name suggests the person feels fully exhausted & tired. This may go even to the extent of absence of all enthusiasm to work or even to live. Psychosomatic diseases take roots. There is emotional breakdown, insomnia, heart & BP complications, and host of other very painful symptoms associated with burnout. The burnout has started. 

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