Currently, it is common to hear of stress described as “eustress” (the positive forces that get you up, moving and engaged in life) and “dis-tress” (where life’s pressures impair our ability to function physically or mentally).  These descriptors are useful, if for no other reason than they remind us that we need motivating forces to both survive and enjoy living.

However, stress is stress.  Similar circumstances can provoke radically different responses in different people.  Responses are affected by so many things, such as;

• The individuals perception of reality and the value they ascribe circumstances or events,  A simple example may be contracting a common illness such as measles.  Person A may feel overwhelmed by the pain and disco
  mfort, whereas Person B might take the view: “This is unpleasant, but it’s one less thing to deal with later”.  Person B is likely to feel less stressed as they focus on better times ahead.
• Understanding of what is happening.  Humans are instinctively ill at ease or frightened by the unknown.  However, when there is a lucid explanation, (or predictability), the feelings of distress are reduced.
• The frequency and severity of other adverse circumstances and events experienced by an individual.  That favorite parental phrase, “I’ve had it up to here with…[fill in the blank…]” is an everyday expression of this idea.
• Individual differences in the ability to accommodate stress whilst continuing to function well over the long term.  Who can explain this?