Introduction to Stress

The most common definition of stress is that stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person believes that “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” In other words, it’s what we feel when we think we’ve lost control of events. Stress is body’s way of reacting to any type of demand. It can be brought about by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies respond by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which is a beneficial thing if their stress is caused by physical danger. But this can also be a negative thing, if their stress is in reaction to something emotional and a person in not able to vent their extra energy and strength.

People commonly experience symptoms such as migraine, headaches, depression and back pain when under stress. There are physiological effects that can be caused by stress, such as ulcers, hypertension and coronary heart disease. People who are employed in stressful work situations are more likely to have a sense of uselessness and lower self-esteem, which may lead to decreased levels of mental health and physical well being. Blue-collar workers often have unreasonably high levels of mental health problems. Stress can lead to marital discord, broken relationships and frustration. Also, physical or psychological illness is frequently thought to be a sign of weakness by the person. Organizations pay a high cost for employee stress. First, high levels of stress can affect work performance. There are also very high direct costs due to stress such as work related lawsuits, worker’s compensation and health care premiums.

In reference to the prevention of occupational stress there are two distinct approaches to it. One which is often utilised is to pay attention on individual Behavior by support and advice, to help coping with the stress. The other is to recognise situations which include potential stressors, assess the risks of stress, and then take actions to reduce the stressors so as to minimise stress. Occupational health professionals should concentrate, and focus employers’ and employees’ attention on this latter approach. Conversely, this is not in effect easy, especially since stress is usually caused by several factors.