Emotional Stress

Beyond routine stress, researchers identify two other types of stress.

1. Chronic stress can be triggered by a negative life event. This can be losing a job or failing out of school.
2. Traumatic stress is the result of experiencing a traumatic event. This can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Chronic stress and traumatic stress can both contribute to long-term health consequences. Such health effects include digestive problems, headaches or migraines, and sleep disorders. Hence, chronic stress and traumatic stress often require professional help.
Psychotherapy and guided breathing exercises are just two treatment options for emotional stress. In addition, relaxation techniques can also be used to combat a distorted stress response. Examples of such techniques include restorative yoga, meditation, and forms of self-hypnosis.

Sources: Medline Plus, KidsHealth, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health