stress and health

1. Stress and Health
Presented by – Maahi Vaid(1000021876)
Muskan Mittal
Bhagya Rana

2. What is stress?
• Stress is the body’s natural response to any demand or challenge that
disrupts a person’s balance or well-being. It can be caused by various
situations, such as academic pressure, relationship issues, financial
difficulties, or major life changes. Stress is not always negative; in small
amounts, it can motivate individuals to perform better and meet deadlines
—this is known as eustress or positive stress. However, when stress
becomes overwhelming or prolonged, it turns into distress, which can
negatively affect a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
Common signs of stress include anxiety, fatigue, irritability, headaches, and
changes in sleeping or eating patterns. Everyone experiences stress
differently, and how a person manages it depends on their coping strategies,
support system, and resilience.

3. Stages of health
• The stages of health refer to the different levels or conditions a person experiences in their
physical, mental, and social well-being over time. These stages help in understanding how a
person moves from being healthy to being ill, and sometimes back to health again. Here are
the common stages:
1. Positive Health (Optimal Health)
• This is the highest and most ideal stage of health. A person in this stage enjoys complete physical, mental, and social well-
being. They have strong immunity, good energy levels, and no signs of disease or discomfort. Emotionally, they are stable
and able to cope well with stress. People in positive health are usually proactive about maintaining their wellness through
exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and healthy relationships. This stage reflects a holistic sense of wellness, not just the
absence of illness.
2. Normal Health (Functional Health)
• In this stage, the person may not be in perfect health, but they are able to carry out daily activities without significant
difficulty. They might experience occasional tiredness, mild headaches, or mood swings, but nothing that prevents
them from functioning normally. Most people fall into this stage in their everyday life. While minor health issues may
arise, they do not significantly interfere with daily functioning, and with proper care, they can return to optimal health.

4. 3. Illness (Disturbed Health)
• This is the stage when a person starts to feel unwell. Symptoms such as fever, pain, fatigue, anxiety, or
other discomforts appear. These signs indicate that something is wrong in the body or mind. The person
may not be able to perform tasks effectively and might feel emotionally or physically drained. At this
stage, medical attention or lifestyle changes are usually required. If not treated properly, this stage can
lead to further health deterioration.
4. Chronic Illness or Disease
• If the illness is not treated or managed, it can progress into a chronic condition—this means it becomes
long-term or permanent. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, depression, or hypertension.
Chronic illnesses require ongoing medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and often emotional support.
While some people learn to live and function well despite their condition, others may face limitations in
their daily lives. This stage can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
5. Terminal Stage
• In this final stage, the illness or condition becomes incurable and life-threatening. Examples include
late-stage cancer, advanced heart disease, or severe organ failure. The person’s body systems begin to
shut down, and complete recovery is not expected. The focus during this stage shifts from trying to cure
the illness to comforting the patient, managing pain, and providing emotional and spiritual support. This
stage often involves palliative care or hospice services to maintain the person's dignity and comfort
until the end of life.

5. Impact on Physical Health
Impact of Stress on Physical Health
🌿 Physical Health Effects
1. Weakened Immune System
1. Chronic stress lowers the body’s ability to fight infections and heal quickly.
2. You may fall sick more often with colds, flu, or other illnesses.
2. Headaches and Migraines
1. Stress causes muscle tension, especially around the neck and shoulders, leading to frequent headaches.
3. Sleep Disturbances
1. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or poor sleep quality due to racing thoughts or anxiety.
4. Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Problems
1. Prolonged stress increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. Digestive Issues
1. Stress can cause stomach aches, indigestion, nausea, or more serious issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
6. Fatigue and Low Energy
1. The body gets drained from constantly being in a "fight or flight" state, leading to exhaustion.
7. Muscle Tension and Pain
1. Stress causes muscles to tighten and contract, which can lead to ongoing discomfort or back/neck pain.

6. Impact on Mental Health
🧠 Mental Health Effects
1.Anxiety and Panic Attacks
1. Constant stress can lead to excessive worrying, nervousness, and sudden panic attacks.
2.Depression
1. Long-term stress can make someone feel hopeless, sad, and emotionally numb, contributing to depression.
3.Mood Swings and Irritability
1. People under stress may become easily frustrated, angry, or emotional without clear reasons.
4.Difficulty Concentrating
1. Stress affects memory and focus, making it hard to study, work, or make decisions.
5.Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
1. Repeated stress and failure to cope can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.
6.Social Withdrawal
1. People may avoid friends, family, or social situations because they feel overwhelmed or mentally drained.

7. Personality Factors in Stress
• Personality plays a huge role in how people perceive, respond to, and cope with stress. Some
people are naturally more resilient, while others may feel overwhelmed more easily—largely
due to their personality traits.
• Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main personality factors related to stress:
1. Type A Personality
• Traits: Competitive, time-conscious, impatient, aggressive, perfectionist.
• Impact: People with Type A personalities are more prone to high stress levels, anger, and heart-
related illnesses.
• They often create stress for themselves by setting overly high standards and reacting strongly to
delays or failures.

8. 2. Type B Personality
• Traits: Relaxed, patient, easy-going, flexible.
• Impact: Type B individuals usually experience lower stress levels.
• They are better at handling pressure and are less likely to become frustrated or
anxious.
3. Neuroticism (from the Big Five Personality Traits)
• Traits: Emotionally sensitive, anxious, moody, self-critical.
• Impact: People high in neuroticism tend to perceive situations as more stressful and
may react with intense worry or sadness.
• They are also more prone to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
4. Extraversion vs. Introversion
• Extraverts: Social, outgoing, tend to have strong social support, which helps reduce
stress.
• Introverts: Quiet, reserved; may keep stress to themselves, which can increase
internal tension if they don’t seek support.

9. 5. Locus of Control
• Internal locus of control: Belief that you control your own life and actions.
• These individuals often cope better with stress because they feel empowered to change their
situation.
• External locus of control: Belief that outside forces (luck, fate) control life events.
• These people may feel helpless in stressful situations and are more prone to chronic stress.
6. Optimism vs. Pessimism
• Optimists tend to look at the bright side, find solutions, and bounce back more easily
from stress.
• Pessimists often expect the worst, focus on problems, and may struggle to cope.
7. Hardiness
• A personality trait made up of three C’s:
• Commitment: Staying involved with life activities
• Control: Belief that you can influence events
• Challenge: Viewing stress as an opportunity to grow
• People with high hardiness are more resilient and better at managing stress positively.

10. Conclusion
In conclusion, stress is a natural part of life, but how we understand and manage it plays a crucial role
in maintaining our overall well-being. We’ve explored how stress affects both our physical and
mental health, leading to issues like weakened immunity, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and
emotional instability when left unchecked. The journey through the stages of health reminds us
that wellness is not a fixed state but a dynamic process, where early awareness and care can
prevent serious health deterioration.
We also learned that our coping strategies—whether problem-focused or emotion-focused—can
help reduce the negative effects of stress and restore balance in our lives. Just as important are our
personality traits, which greatly influence how we perceive and handle stressful situations. For
instance, individuals with Type A personalities or high neuroticism are more prone to stress, while
those who are optimistic, resilient, or have a strong internal locus of control tend to cope better.
• Ultimately, the key to managing stress lies in self-awareness, building healthy habits, and seeking
support when needed. By understanding ourselves and how stress affects us, we empower
ourselves to lead healthier, more balanced, and more fulfilling lives.

11. Thank You!!!!!