The many sides of stress

Here are the different types of stress, as defined by the American Psychological Association:

• Acute stress is a short-term reaction to situations and events, or perceived threats, like making a costly mistake at work, the bank rejecting your mortgage application, or a flooded basement (but it can also be a reaction to something fun and exciting—like riding a roller coaster).

  During these times, we may get angry, our blood pressure may rise, and we might get a headache or muscle pains. But these symptoms typically come and go pretty quickly.

• Episodic acute stress can occur in people who can’t relax and take on too much of everything—or those who seem to worry about every little thing.

  In addition to real "stressors," these people may create their own internal stress because of the way they act and think.

  Because of their constant heightened state of arousal, they may be at risk for recurrent tension headaches/migraines, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks.

• Chronic stress is long-term and unrelenting. It may be a reaction to an unhappy marriage or relationship, a dead-end job, or perhaps a childhood trauma.

  It has been linked to both emotional problems (such as anxiety and depression) as well as serious physical problems, such as a suppressed immune system, heart attacks, and stroke. Some even believe it is linked to cancer.