Nearly everyone experiences stress at some point. Piling up assignments, work deadlines, household problems, or unexpected circumstances can all leave us feeling overwhelmed. Stress itself is often perceived as a negative thing. However, the reality is not that simple. Like a double-edged sword, sometimes stress can help us grow, and other times it can be overwhelming.
What is Stress and Distress?
When we face stress at a moderate level, it's also called eustress , or positive stress. In this state, we can actually focus better, our emotions feel more balanced, and our thoughts more rational. This is the point at which stress energizes a person to work and adapt.
It's important to understand that when we experience too little pressure or stress, we tend to feel bored, confused, and even unmotivated. Conversely, when stress is excessive and persistent, we can experience physical and mental exhaustion, leading to a loss of emotional control.
Furthermore, efficiency and performance also decline. In such circumstances, stress left untreated for too long actually interferes with thinking ability and daily activities, ultimately leading to distress , a more serious condition that poses a risk to both physical and mental health.
What is the Difference Between Stress and Distress?
1. Normal stress
- Temporary in nature, appearing due to certain situations
- It can disappear after the problem is resolved or after a break.
- It happens in situations that we can still manage.
- Doesn't interfere too much with daily activities
- In some situations, it can actually be an important part of the self-development process.
2. Distress (excessive stress)
- Chronic in nature, occurs over a long period of time, can be due to known factors or without a definite cause.
- Often occurs in situations that exceed our ability to manage them.
- Interferes with daily functioning and quality of life
- It can affect sleep, appetite, concentration, and even relationships with other people.
- If left untreated, it can increase the risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and thoughts of harming oneself or others.
Signs of Distress to Watch Out For
Some signs that indicate stress has turned into distress include:
- Prolonged physical and mental fatigue
- Often feeling sad, crying easily, or feeling “empty”
- Easily irritated, restless, or feeling excessively anxious
- Feeling lonely, unhappy, or losing the meaning of life
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Drastic changes in eating patterns (eating too little or too much)
- Difficulty focusing and decreased daily productivity
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Recurrent negative thoughts, including the desire to harm oneself or others
These signs can vary from person to person. They can be difficult to recognize at first, especially if you're experiencing them for the first time. However, when they appear, it means your body and mind are sending signals to seek help immediately.
When to See a Professional?
Distress isn't just "mental exhaustion." Especially when it begins to feel uncontrollable and impacts various aspects of life, it can develop into a mental health disorder that requires professional medical intervention. Consulting a psychiatrist can be the right step to receive appropriate evaluation, support, and therapy.
By seeking counseling at the earliest signs, we can learn to manage chronic stress and prevent ourselves from being in a constant state of distress. This is an important step toward feeling better.
Article written by Dr. Eduardo Renaldo, Sp.KJ (Psychiatric Specialist, EMC Pekayon & Tangerang Hospital).