Stress, as most of us use the word, might better be called
"distress." It is a state of tension between a person and his or
her environment. It is an unpleasant feeling we experience when
we are overwhelmed by outside pressures or events. Many
authorities consider stress-related problems the most serious
current challenge to our health. Among the more common ailments
with a possible stress component are heart disease, headaches,
hypertension, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and
depression. Stress can also affect job performance as well as
relationships. Whether or not stress causes or contributes to
these conditions, we know that living with health problems can
add considerable stress to any of us. Things that cause stress
are called "stressors." Some common stressors are major life
changes, job pressures, "relationship or family problems, and
acute or chronic illness. How we perceive an event also plays an
important role in causing stress. What is stressful for one
person may actually be stimula