Types of stress
1-minute read
Stress is a normal part of life and can be positive or negative. Types of stress include:
Good stress
This type of stress is good for you. It comes from facing a positive challenge and can cause us to feel nervous or excited. Good stress can improve motivation and performance.
Short term stress
Short term stress is a brief period of stress related to a specific situation.
Chronic or ongoing stress
Chronic stress can be caused by ongoing pressures or demands that go on for a long period with little hope of improving. Chronic stress can be very damaging to health and relationships.
Not sure what to do next?
If you or someone you know are finding it difficult to manage mental health issues, try healthdirect’s Symptom Checker and get advice on when to seek professional help.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2019
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Stress
Overcoming Stress Stress is the body's way of responding to demand or pressures
Read more on Lifeline website
Reducing stress
Some stress is normal and stress itself is not anxiety or depression. However, severe and ongoing stress may be a risk factor if it persists.
Read more on Beyond Blue website
Effects of stress on the body | Stress | ReachOut Australia
Is stress having a negative impact on your health? Find out what stress does to your body online at ReachOut Australia.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
Stress and pregnancy
Stress is a normal response to major life changes but there are things you can do to reduce pregnancy-related stress. Learn more here about how it affects you.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
How to deal with stress | Stress | ReachOut Australia
Knowing how to deal with stress can help you lead a happier and healthier life. Ask yourself these questions to help manage your stress.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
Managing stress
Becoming a parent can be stressful. In fact, we know that many parents find having a baby more challenging than they anticipated.
Read more on Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) website
Stress | ReachOut Australia
There's a difference between good stress and bad stress. Stress management is about finding that proper balance.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
Carers NSW - Managing stress
The term 'stress management' means identifying what is causing stress in your life, then considering how stress is affecting you and what you can do about it
Read more on Carers NSW website
How to manage financial stress | Stress | ReachOut Australia
Being poor can really suck. But there are things you can do to make it a little easier to get by on not much dosh. Find out more here.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
How to get a good nights sleep when stressed | Stress | ReachOut Australia
Are you experiencing stress at night? Check out this comic at ReachOut Australia to find out how to live with late-night stress.
Read more on ReachOut.com website
Top results
Stress and Urge Urinary Incontinence in Women - Australasian Menopause Society
Normal bladder function is represented by:a frequency 4-6 per day (0-1 at night);1-2 cups of urine (250-500mls) are passed;voiding can be deferred until convenient;urine is passed in a steady continuous stream until bladder is emptyno leakage between visits to the toilet.There are two main types of urinary incontinence: stress and urge incontinence. In some instances both types of incontinence can occur though the cause for each is different.Stress and Urge Urinary Incontinence in Women
Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website
What is Lupus? Lupus Awareness, Symptoms and Diagnosis
While systemic lupus erythematosus (better known as lupus) has been researched for years, the catalyst remains unknown (Healthdirect, 2016; NIH, 2014). It is believed that genetics, stress, injury and illness all contribute to the development of lupus (Better Health Channel, n. d.).
Read more on Ausmed Education website
What is Lupus? Lupus Awareness, Symptoms and Diagnosis
While systemic lupus erythematosus (better known as lupus) has been researched for years, the catalyst remains unknown (Healthdirect, 2016; NIH, 2014). It is believed that genetics, stress, injury and illness all contribute to the development of lupus (Better Health Channel, n. d.).
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Fact sheets - Orygen, Revolution in Mind
Orygen is the world’s leading research and knowledge translation organisation focusing on mental ill-health in young people.
Read more on Orygen website
Infertility and The Mind-Body Approach
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO 2017). There are, of course, many physical and emotional factors that can cause infertility.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Infertility and The Mind-Body Approach
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO 2017). There are, of course, many physical and emotional factors that can cause infertility.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Self Care and Staff Support - Synthesis
Detailed summary & identified gaps from research on self care strategies & support for aged care staff & workers.
Read more on palliAGED website
Anxiety - Orygen, Revolution in Mind
Orygen is the world’s leading research and knowledge translation organisation focusing on mental ill-health in young people.
Read more on Orygen website
Meditative Walking and the Importance of Self-Care
During my 38-year career in nursing practice I have been privileged to work at the bedside, in the classroom, and as a nurse researcher. I am one of those nurses who believes that nursing is in my genes!
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Health Benefits of Nature | Ausmed
Most of us instinctively know that we feel better when we go to the beach, have a picnic, or take an evening stroll. Researchers are discovering that the sense of well-being we get from being in natural environments is reflected in measurable health benefits. What are the Health Benefits of Nature?
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
Government Accredited with over 140 information partners
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
