Of course, not all stress is bad. We need a certain amount of physical stress to build muscle, and mental stress to enhance character, develop resourcefulness, and learn. However, acute or chronic mental stress can unleash devastating consequences.

A clinical definition of psychosocial stress describes the way in which a person is able to deal with problems, such as a difficult job, a full course load at school, a positive or negative life event, or a disruptive family life. A person becomes stressed when he or she perceives that the demands of the stressful situation threaten to surpass their own physical or mental resources—which can mean anything from financial resources to mental coping mechanisms, depending on what the stressful situation calls for.

How we are able to meet the challenges of a circumstance that requires greater physical or mental effort is often a reflection of how healthy we are as individuals. The well-being of a community also comes into question if many of its members are not taught effective patterns of coping as part of its culture, or if social mechanisms are not in place, especially if an individual becomes impaired due to psychosocial stressors.

Unraveling any societal stigmas related to mental health also plays a tremendous part when individuals seek to change potentially unhealthy perceptions. Feeling as if we cannot meet the demands of stressful situations can produce toxic feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Stress analysts have determined that poorly handled or disregarded negative perceptions of self and situation have colossal effects on a person’s physical health.

Stressors are the events or circumstances that pose a potential threat to our well-being. Acute and chronic stress describe stressor intensity levels that may both have long-lasting health effects. Compounded and repetitive low-intensity acute stressors may have similar effects as one high-intensity chronic stressor. Cumulative biological changes that occur as a result of chronic stress across the span of an individual’s life is assessed when determining how stress can induce chronic illness. In a nutshell: The lower your cumulative stress load, the less likely you will be to develop a stress-induced chronic illness.

Deal with Your Stress

Healthy individuals are resilient creatures that can usually withstand momentarily stressful moments. But experiencing too many of these moments can have a snowball effect, so do not underestimate the damage that may be done to mind and body. Since perception is everything, try to maintain a positive attitude, and be sure to take stock of your best case scenarios. Never anticipate bad news. Take a careful inventory of your thoughts and determine the appropriate time to react to outcomes. For a greater sense of control, plan ahead and develop just-in-case strategies when you are doing well. Anticipate change while staying positive, and know that there were others who came before you that made it through similar, if not worse times. Don’t worry, you’ll find your way!

THE FIRST AND ONLY CRUISE MEMBERSHIP CLUB OF ITS KIND