Eustress vs. Distress – Dealing with Stress

Did you know about a third of people worldwide are stress?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed occasionally. A little stress boosts your concentration and helps you remain alert during a presentation. It can also prevent accidents and costly mistakes. But today’s hectic world creates a culture of stress that renders office life impossible to handle. You may feel drained, overwhelmed, and worried from working long hours, tight deadlines, and experiencing constant demands. And when it exceeds your capacity to handle it, the damage is done to your mind and body as well as to your job satisfaction.

Nevertheless,  the sensations of stress and anxiety are often so powerful that it can be hard to tell whether they are good or bad for us. The answer to this question depends on whether the stress produces a positive outcome, called eustress, or an unpleasant one, called distress.

What are Eustress and Distress?

According to Hans Selye, there are two different terms for stress: Eustress and Distress. 

Eustress is defined as a positive type of stress and enhances our functioning. It is a healthy form that gives us positive feelings and makes us feel good about ourselves. Eustress similarly affects the body to external stress. It heightens the central nervous system, making us more conscious and alert. One factor that makes eustress unique is that it generally occurs when faced with a challenge or a specific situation.

In contrast, distress is the negative form of stress that most of us are aware of. It is a persistent state of anxiety that does not resolve itself no matter what we do. While distress is sometimes unavoidable, it can usually be detrimental to mental well-being.

Eustress vs. Distress – How To Know The Difference?

When you’re dealing with stress, distress, and anxiety, it’s always wise to find professional help. Your doctor or psychiatrist can help you with medical treatment for these conditions. In addition to providing incredibly important support, medical professionals can provide you with excellent therapy services. Therapy is a wonderful way to express your thoughts and feelings, get an objective second opinion, and possibly come up with coping strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety. To learn more about the journey to positive mental health, visit us for more details!