From Distress to De-stress

We live in times where stress comes as a guaranteed freebie! Those of us born in the 60s or earlier may recall how simple life used to be. We were content with small pleasures, and life was relatively uncomplicated. I remember that while studying for my graduation in medical college, my parents would send me ₹400 per month—of which the cafeteria bill was ₹250—and I could still carry forward ₹5 to the next month!

Transport meant the humble bicycle, and communication with loved ones back home was through a trunk call. The friendly post office clerk would book the call for me, and I often shared a cup of tea with him while waiting for nearly an hour for those precious three minutes of conversation—complete with background disturbances!

Antibiotics like Ampicillin, Tetracycline, and Septran were both effective and affordable. Sadly, these have now been archived and are barely recognized by today’s young medicos. Doordarshan aired programs from 6 PM to 10 PM, and the entire family huddled around a prized black-and-white television, safely housed in a cabinet. There was no need for a remote—there was only one channel!

Life has certainly changed—perhaps for the better. Communication has grown by leaps and bounds. Mobile phones can connect us to friends across the globe. Google puts the world’s information at our fingertips. 24-hour television provides entertainment for couch potatoes and insomniacs alike. Medicine has advanced so much that many once-standard investigations are now obsolete.

Many invasive diagnostic procedures that were painful and unreliable have been replaced by sophisticated, accurate tests. The list of innovations goes on. The world has progressed, and India too has risen with it. But at what cost? One byproduct of our modern comforts and advancements is stress.

Understanding Stress

The word stress no longer causes alarm—it’s accepted as part of daily life. Ciccarelli and Meyer define stress as “the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to events that are appraised as threatening or challenging.”

No age group is exempt from stress. From choosing what to wear, to school competition, to parental expectations, peer pressure, traffic, major life decisions, loss, and more—these are all stressors.

There are two types of stress:

• Distress: Caused by unpleasant events or situations.

• Eustress: A positive form of stress that challenges a person to improve and excel. It promotes well-being, self-esteem, and performance.

Events such as marriage, childbirth, or a job promotion can also trigger stress—but they often lead to positive change and adaptation. A certain level of stress before an exam, for instance, can lead to better preparation and outcomes.

The Impact of Stress on Families

Unaddressed stress can negatively affect the family dynamic. Doubts, arguments, and frequent quarrels can escalate to serious outcomes like domestic violence, suicide, or even murder.

A collective effort is needed to transform distress into eustress. This encourages understanding, empathy, forgiveness, and adaptability—key ingredients for healing.

The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being—not merely the absence of disease.” Healing also involves the restoration of broken relationships. Stress-related illnesses can have long-lasting effects, sometimes requiring lifelong treatment, impacting both emotional and financial stability.

How Stress Affects Health

Stress has been scientifically shown to cause or aggravate various health conditions:

• Hypertension: Triggered by stress hormones, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Elevated stress hormones can increase blood sugar levels.

• Digestive Issues: Stress raises hydrochloric acid levels, causing indigestion, hyperacidity, and ulcers—which may, in rare cases, lead to malignancy.

• Obesity: Stress-induced overeating can lead to multiple health issues.

• Mental Health: Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

• Immunity: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections.

How to Cope with Stress

While it may sound simple, de-stressing is easier said than done. Effective coping strategies include both behavioral and psychological approaches. Often, distress arises from trivial or imagined issues. Addressing these early—individually or with the help of a friend, counselor, or pastor—is vital.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

Some practical steps include:

• Identify the source: Rationally assess the cause of stress, involving family for collective wisdom.

• Seek support: Friends, counselors, and spiritual mentors can offer perspective and guidance.

• Family time: Outings, walks, or even shared meals can alleviate tension.

• Quiet time and reflection: Introspection through meditation is a proven stress buster.

• Faith and spirituality: Believing in a caring Creator and being part of a spiritual community can offer deep emotional support.

In Conclusion

In this fast-paced, competitive world, stress is inevitable. But how we respond determines its effect. A positive mindset, faith in God as Creator and Sustainer, and joy found in serving others can convert distress into eustress.

"You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
— The Message