Stress is a natural physical and psychological response to internal or external demands. Short-term stress can enhance performance and help manage challenges.
However, when stress becomes chronic and sufficient recovery phases are lacking, it can lead to significant health impairments — both psychological and physical.
What matters is not only the stressor itself, but also the individual’s appraisal of the situation and the coping strategies available.
Symptoms
Chronic stress manifests on different levels:
Physical symptoms:
Muscle tension
Headaches
Palpitations
Gastrointestinal complaints
Sleep disturbances
Increased susceptibility to infections
Psychological symptoms:
Inner restlessness
Irritability
Concentration difficulties
Rumination
Feeling of constant overload
Behavioral changes:
Social withdrawal
Impatience
Increased consumption of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine
Neglect of recovery and social contacts
Types
Acute stress (short-term stressful situation)
Chronic stress (persistent overload)
Work-related stress
Emotional stress (e.g., due to conflicts or life changes)
Untreated chronic stress can develop into exhaustion syndromes, anxiety disorders, or depressive illnesses.
Causes
Stress arises from an imbalance between demands and personal resources.
Typical triggers include:
High workload
Time pressure
Perfectionism
Family or social conflicts
Lack of boundaries
Constant availability
Internal drivers (e.g., “I must be perfect”) also often play a central role.