SERENE
Episodic acute stress is when acute stresses happen on a frequent basis. This can be because of repeatedly tight work deadlines. It can also be because of the frequent high-stress situations experienced by some professionals, such as healthcare workers.
With this type of stress, we don’t get time to return to a relaxed and calm state. And the effects of the high-frequency acute stresses accumulate.
It often leaves us feeling like we are moving from one crisis to another.
SYMPTOMS
1. Muscle tension. This is meant to help our body guard against injury and pain. When exposed to episodic acute stressors, our muscles don’t get the opportunity to relax.
2. Feeling overwhelmed. This is the feeling of not being able to cope nor able to visualize effective solutions to the causes of your stress.
3. Uncontrolled anger and irritability. We find ourselves lashing out more often and with less provocation. We may also find ourselves reacting strongly to things that normally we would tolerate.
4. Migraines. These are often the result of muscle tension. The frequency and severity of migraines are likely to increase under episodic acute stress.
5. Hypertension. A majority of people will be unaware of having high blood pressure. The only reliable way to detect hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured by a health professional.