Stress is an experience of feeling overwhelmed due to a combination of internal and external factors. Causes of stress are external as well as internal. Difficult external experiences such as problems at work, loss of job, examinations, relationship conflicts, separation from a loved one, natural disasters, abuse and physical injury are upsetting for everyone. The manner in which the person sees feels and deals with them determine the degree of shear stress.

Initially any stressor tends to shake us, we panic, want to deny it and try hard to believe that it is not happening to us. After a while if we are able to gather ourselves we make attempts towards coping with stress. Based on success of these attempts, our personality, sensitivity and the nature of stressful event, the stress may reduce, increase or remain constant. In case the stress continues we feel exhausted and ill.

Effects and symptoms of stress vary from one individual to another. These include: physical problems (chest pain, breathing difficulties, weight loss or gain, headaches, body aches, sexual dysfunction and stomach problems); sleep disorders (reduced or increased sleep); memory difficulties (increased forgetfulness, absent-mindedness); chronic fatigue; irritability; depression; conversion reactions; anxiety; relationship conflicts; reproductive problems and poor functioning.

For effective stress relief we need to understand how our mind responds to stressors and develop effective and mature defense mechanisms.