2. General adaption syndrome, consisting of three stages: (1) alarm, (2)
resistance, and (3) exhaustion. Alarm, fight or flight, is the immediate
response of the body to 'perceived' stress.
3. Stages
General adaptation syndrome is how your body responds to stress.
There are three stages to stress: the alarm stage, the resistance stage
and the exhaustion stage
Stress is something that we are all aware of daily. Stress
can cause bodily or mental tension. But did you know that
stress can be both positive and negative? It is your
perception of this stress that matters most.
4. 1.The alarm stage is when the central nervous system is awakened, causing
your body’s defenses to assemble. This SOS stage results in a fight-or-flight
response.
2.The resistance stage is when your body begins to repair itself and
normalize heart rate, blood pressure, etc. After the initial shock of a stressful
event, your body enters this recovery phase but remains on high alert for a
while.
3.The exhaustion stage is when activation in the first two stages
continues over time, causing a breakdown in the balance within
your body. This is when certain diseases, such as diabetes or heart
disease, may begin.
5.
6. Alarm Reaction Stage
The alarm reaction stage of general adaptation syndrome is the body’s initial
response to stress. The sympathetic nervous system is activated by the
sudden release of hormones. You may better know this stage as the fight-or-
flight response.
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system,
which regulates the functions of your heart, stomach, bladder, and intestines,
as well as your muscles. You are not aware that this system is working
because it automatically responds to stimuli.
When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it stimulates the adrenal
glands. The glands, in turn, trigger the release of certain hormones, including
adrenaline and noradrenaline.
7. Resistance Stage
The resistance stage of general adaptation syndrome is when your body tries
to repair itself after the initial shock of stress. If the stressful situation is no
longer present and you can overcome the stress, your heart and blood
pressure will start to return to prestress levels during this stage.
However, if the stressful situation continues for a long time or if you do not
resolve the stress, your body will never receive a clear signal to return to
normal functioning levels. This means it will continue to secrete the stress
hormones and your blood pressure will stay high.
8. Prolonged levels of high stress can cause disturbances in the immune,
digestive, cardiovascular, sleep, and reproductive systems. You might have
symptoms such as:
Bowel issues
Headaches
Sleeplessness
Sadness
Frustration
Irritability
Poor concentration
Prolonged stress that is not resolved leads to the third stage (exhaustion).
9.
10. Exhaustion Stage
Prolonged or chronic stress leads to the last stage of general adaptation
syndrome—exhaustion. Enduring stressors without relief drains your
physical, emotional, and mental resources to the point where your body is
no longer able to cope with stress.
Signs that you are in the exhaustion stage include:
Fatigue
Burnout
Decreased stress tolerance
11. Example of General Adaptation Syndrome
Here is an example of an event that might trigger general adaptation
syndrome and possible ways you might experience each stage:
1.Alarm reaction: You have trembling hands and butterflies in your stomach
prior to the start of an important exam.2.Resistance: You've finished your
exam but you're having trouble switching gears and focusing on other things.
3.Exhaustion: Your exam is in the past but you still feel anxious and
depressed. You're having trouble sleeping and you wonder how you're going
to get through the rest of the semester.
12. What Causes General Adaptation Syndrome?
Any kind of stressor—both unpleasant and rewarding, dangerous or
thrilling—can trigger general adaptation syndrome.
Selye discovered general adaptation syndrome after studying how the
human body reacted to physical stressors, such as being exposed to cold
temperatures or physical overexertion.
It is now understood that many situations, including those that cause
psychological rather than physical stress, can cause GAS.4
Examples of stressors that can trigger GAS include:
13. Daily stress (such as pressure at school, work, or at home relating to
your family)
A sudden change in your life (such as losing a job, divorce, or illness)
Traumatic experiences (such as abuse, a major accident, and war)
Positive Stress
General adaptation syndrome is not only triggered by stressors that cause
distress. It can also be triggered by situations in which the stressor is
considered positive or pleasant (known as eustress).5
For example, some people see the stress of an upcoming exam as a
positive because it helps them to stay motivated. Others might enjoy the
fear they feel while watching a scary movie.
14.
15. General Adaptation Syndrome
General adaptation syndrome is not a medical condition that you can be
diagnosed with. Rather, it's the process your body goes through
automatically when it experiences stress.
However, if you are experiencing chronic stress that is negatively
affecting your life, it's important that you get help.
Mental health conditions that have symptoms related to experiencing
stress over extended periods include:
16. Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and
phobia-related disorders)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
1.Managing Stress
Stress mitigation techniques can help you cope with GAS.6 Examples
you might want to explore include:
Diaphragmatic breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Guided imagery
Mindfulness
Physical activity
Limiting exposure to triggers
