Episodic Stress
Episodic stress occurs when someone takes on too many tasks, becomes overwhelmed by all the demands with an inability to meet those demands. This type of stress is usually seen in people who make self-inflicted, unrealistic or unreasonable demands which get all clamoured up and bring too much stress in their attempt to accomplish these goals.
Episodic stress is also typically observed in people with “Type A” personality, which involves being overly competitive, aggressive, demanding and sometimes tense and hostile. Because of this, the symptoms of episodic stress are found in Type A persons.
These include:
Longer periods of intermitted depression, anxiety disorders and emotional distress
Persistent physical symptoms similar to those found in acute stress.Heart diseases, or other heart problems. They describe themselves as having "a lot of nervous energy." Always in a hurry, they tend to be abrupt, and sometimes their irritability comes across as hostility.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress is the total opposite of acute stress; it’s not exciting and thrilling, but dangerous and unhealthy. Chronic stress tears the life of a person apart from his mind, body or spirit. This type of stress is brought about by long-term exposure to stressors, such as unhappy marriage, traumatic experiences, unwanted career or job, the stress of poverty, chronic illnesses, relationship conflicts, political problems, and dysfunctional families.
These stressful situations seem to be unending, and the accumulated stress that results from exposure to them can be life-threatening, and can even lead a person to resort to violence, suicide and self-harm. Serious illnesses like stroke, heart attack, cancer, and psychological problems.
Common physical signs and symptoms of chronic stress are:
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty in breathing
• Headache
• Pounding heart
Mental signs and symptoms include
• Tension
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Narrowed perception
• Problem with concentration