Chronic Stress−Defined.

Stress is the body and brain’s natural physical, mental, and emotional response to demands, challenges, or perceived threats. It triggers a “fight-or-flight” reaction, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that increase heart rate and blood pressure to help you cope with whatever you are facing.

Many people talked about being frequently “stressed out,” yet not all forms of stress are the same. Unlike acute stress, which is a short-lived, immediate reaction with practical functions, like helping you remain alert and vigilant, chronic stress is the consistent, prolonged feeling of being overwhelmed or under pressure for weeks, months, or years.

Factors driving chronic stress may include dysfunctional relationships, traumatic experiences, sustained financial hardship, or high-pressure, daily work environments.

By keeping the fight-or-flight response continually active, this form of stress has the potential to cause severe, long-term damage to the body’s physical and mental health.