Stress
Stress occurs when the pressures upon us exceed our resources to cope with those pressures.

In everyday life we are subjected to a wide range of pressures. We also have a wide range of resources and strategies for coping with pressure. Sometimes we cope well and don't feel that the pressure is having any adverse effect upon us. At other times we have difficulty in dealing with the situation and that is when we may use the term "stress".

In reality, any situation that puts us under pressure is technically "stressful". Stress is not necessarily unpleasant or harmful. When we are able to cope satisfactorily with the stress and find it to be positive in its effect, we tend to use other words - such as "stimulation" or "challenge". Generally, though, when we speak of "stress" we mean the reaction we have to those pressures which are harmful, unpleasant or disabling.

The problem is that different people find quite different situations and circumstances to be stressful. At the extremes, a situation which one person experiences as positive and stimulating will cause another person acute distress. Persons experiencing other problems may be more susceptible to stress. And prolonged or acute exposure to excessive stress can lead to illnesses.