Stress, whether pleasant or distressing, occurs when the demands of a stressor exceed our perceived ability to cope. When a stressor triggers a stress response, which can be a positive or negative arousal, our bodies adapt to protect us from harm and try to return to a normal state. The difference between stress and distress is how the body adapts to unfavorable conditions.

Being bullied

Getting a divorce from a spouse

Breaking up

Problems with interpersonal relationships

Having conflicts with teammates

Death of a parent or loved one

Not meeting a deadline

Parents fighting

Family stress, such as fighting with siblings

Financial problems

Going into bankruptcy

Getting fired from a job

Facing natural disasters

Severe health problems

Being sued for wrongdoing

Being assaulted or abused

Waiting for medical test results

Worrying about job restructuring or employment concerns

Marriage

Buying a home

Giving birth

Starting a new job

Visiting new places