Stress Reactions — Four Categories
Where Stressors Occur
Multiple Settings
For Airmen today, stressors occur:
- Within the work environment
- Outside the work environment — often involving family, relationship, and financial issues
Recognize Early
Early Recognition
We know when we feel stressed, but recognizing some of the key signs of stress can help deal with issues before they evolve into bigger problems.
Four Reaction Categories
Four Stress Reaction Categories
Stress reactions typically appear in four different categories:
- Cognitive
- Emotional
- Behavioral
- Physical
The reactions can be recognized and addressed early by minimizing, adjusting, or successfully coping with the cause.
Cognitive Stress
Cognitive Manifestations
Cognitive stress can manifest as:
- Memory problems
- An inability to concentrate
- Poor judgment
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
Emotional Stress
Emotional Manifestations
Emotional stress can manifest as:
- Apathy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Job dissatisfaction
- Memory problems
- Mental fatigue
Behavioral Stress
Behavioral Manifestations
Behavioral stress can manifest as:
- Appetite changes
- Increased arguments
- Increased smoking
- Neglecting self-care
- Social withdrawal
- Substance abuse
- Violence
Physical Stress
Physical Manifestations
Physical stress can manifest as:
- Frequent illness
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Physical exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain or loss