Stress is defined
as a state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain. Anything that causes
this pressure and/or strain is called a stressor. Yet, just like depression,
there are different levels of stress. Advanced levels may be trying to
do a load of homework or a big project, and simple levels may include
trying not to be late to class. Stressors can be classified into three
general categories: catastrophic events, major life changes, and daily
hassles. Yet, these things may not effect everyone in the same way. Something
considered a daily hassle to you may be catastrophic for someone else.
But like anything else, stress can be dealt with. When coping with stress,
psychologists use two strategies; emotion focused coping and problem
focused coping. In emotion focused coping, your goal is to get your mind
off of anything stressing you out. You can watch television, listen to
music, or play a sport; anything that can get your mind off of the stressor.
In problem focused coping, you focus all of your attention on solving your
problem.
