There are a few main types of stress – Eustress (positive stress) and Distress (negative stress).
Eustress
Eustress is beneficial stress—either psychological, physical (e.g. exercise), or biochemical (hormesis). Eustress refers to a positive response one has to a stressor, which can depend on one’s current feelings of control, desirability, location, and timing of the stressor.
Distress – Bad Stress
Distress is an aversive state in which a person is unable to completely adapt to stressors, their resulting stress and shows maladaptive behaviours. It can be evident in the presence of various phenomena, such as inappropriate social interaction (e.g., aggression, passivity, or withdrawal). It is a general term used to describe unpleasant feelings or emotions that impact your level of functioning. In other words, it is psychological discomfort that interferes with your activities of daily living.
In Comparison
| EUSTRESS (Positive Stress) | DISTRESS (Bad Stress) |
| Motivates | Causes anxiety or concern |
| Focuses energy | Can lead to mental or physical problems |
| Is short-term | Can be short-term or long-term |
| Is perceived as within our coping abilities | Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities |
| Feels exciting | Feels unpleasant |
| Improves performance | Decreases performance |
Not all stress is bad. To perform there must be a level of manageable stress.
Unaddressed workplace stress can lead to:
- Poor job performance
- Quality issues
- Possible redundancy or termination
- Employee financial difficulty
- Less effective everyday functionality
- Pre- mature ageing
- Onset of mental health
- Anxiety attacks
- Low self esteem
- Nervous breakdown / Burnouts
- PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorders
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