The purpose of this fact sheet is to introduce information on the symptoms of stress, and how individuals can effectively manage their stress. Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis. We experience positive stress when we are excited about something important or interesting that happens in our lives such as getting a new job, getting married, buying a new home, winning the lottery, going on vacation, and meeting new and exciting people. These experiences prompt us to take action.
We experience negative stress when a sudden or dis- agreeable event or disaster occurs such as the loss of a farm due to disaster, drought, tornado, hurricane, decreasing farm market prices, pest infestation, or fire. Disasters can cause traumatic stress. Negative stress may also occur in response to death, personal injury, illness or divorce. Too many stressful events can cause extreme stress. Too much stress will result in physical or emotional reaction. Everyone reacts to stress differently; what one individual sees as very stressful may not be stressful for another individual. Individual differences play a major role in how well we handle stressful situations.
Read the entire series on promoting health and well-being of families during difficult times.
- Supporting Families Following a Disaster
- Promoting a Family's Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being
- Understanding the Impact of Disasters on the Lives of Children and Youth
- Supporting Children and Youth Following a Disaster
- Stress Management After a Disaster
- Encouraging Family Communication After a Disaster
- Managing Conflict Following a Disaster
- Understanding Depression Following a Disaster
- Family Financial Management: Planning for the Future
- Family Financial Management: Interventions Following a Disaster