PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Managing Your Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and everyone encounters it in different forms. It is the body’s natural reaction to situations that require change, adjustment, or action. These responses can manifest physically, emotionally, or mentally, and may arise from both positive and negative experiences. Common triggers include preparing for academic exams, coping with family conflicts, or handling workplace demands. Interestingly, positive life events, such as weddings, relocations, or even retirement, can also create stress. As Feldman (2019) emphasizes, an event is only perceived as stressful if individuals view it as threatening or overwhelming, while simultaneously lacking the resources they believe are necessary to cope effectively.

Ways People Manage Stress

People adopt different approaches to manage stress, with some being adaptive and others harmful. Constructive strategies include seeking social support, exercising, journaling, and practicing mindfulness. On the other hand, unhealthy coping mechanisms may involve substance abuse, aggression, or avoidance. Personally, I rely heavily on social support from close family members and friends when I feel stressed. Research suggests that social connections not only reduce anxiety and depression but also promote stronger immune and cardiovascular health (Scott, 2019).

My coping style is often problem-focused, which means I attempt to resolve the underlying issue rather than only soothing the symptoms of stress. For instance, by using problem-solving techniques and time management skills, I directly address the source of my stress. McLeod (2015) explains that this approach reduces long-term stress and helps individuals develop resilience, which allows them to adapt more effectively to future stressors.

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress Paper

When people encounter stress, they often experience what is known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). This model, proposed by Hans Selye, suggests that stress responses occur in three predictable stages—alarm, resistance, and exhaustion—regardless of the cause (Feldman, 2019). Stressful events such as a relationship breakup, loss of employment, chronic illness, or financial difficulties may trigger this process. While short-term stress can sometimes motivate individuals to act, prolonged or chronic stress can significantly harm physical and mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even personality disorders often develop or worsen when stress remains unresolved.

Below is a summary of the three stages of GAS:

Stage	Description	Example
Alarm Reaction	Initial response to a stressor; body activates “fight-or-flight” mode.	Feeling anxious before an important exam.
Resistance	Body attempts to adapt and cope with the stressor over time.	Developing study schedules or new routines.
Exhaustion	Prolonged stress depletes resources, leading to burnout or illness.	Experiencing fatigue and reduced motivation.

A personal example of this theory in practice occurred when I started nursing school. I was simultaneously working full-time, living independently, and managing financial responsibilities. Initially, the demands felt overwhelming; however, by seeking support and adopting problem-focused strategies, I was able to persevere through the challenges.

The Role of Social Support in Stress Management

Psychologists define social support as any behavior that communicates care, validates emotions, or provides tangible resources to help individuals cope (Scott, 2019). Knowing that others are available to provide encouragement or assistance can significantly reduce the burden of stress. Personally, the reassurance of loved ones has helped me maintain perspective and remain resilient during overwhelming times.

Social support can be categorized into different forms:

Type of Support	Description	Example
Emotional Support	Offering empathy, love, and understanding.	Talking to a friend after a stressful day.
Informational Support	Providing advice, suggestions, or guidance.	A mentor advising on career-related decisions.
Instrumental Support	Offering tangible help or resources.	A family member helping with financial bills.
Companionship Support	Providing a sense of belonging and connection through shared activities.	Exercising or socializing with friends.

This combination of supports enhances resilience and reminds individuals that they do not need to confront stress alone.

Conclusion

In summary, stress is a normal biological and psychological response to life’s challenges. While it can serve as a motivator by keeping individuals alert and prepared, long-term stress can lead to significant mental and physical health problems if left unmanaged. Developing coping mechanisms, such as problem-solving strategies, healthy lifestyle habits, and reliance on social support, is essential. By recognizing stress, addressing its sources, and building a strong support network, individuals can not only manage stress more effectively but also grow stronger through these experiences.

References

Feldman, R. (2019). Understanding psychology [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260883817

McLeod, S. (2015, January 1). Stress management. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-management.html

Porter, J. (2015, March 23). The science of reading your coworkers’ personalities. Fast Company. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3044030/how-to-get-better-at-reading-and-reacting-tocoworkers-personalities

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Scott, E. (2019, October 6). How social support can help you relieve stress in your life. Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-social-support-research-3144460