Stress is an emotional or physical reaction to a challenge or demand, such as school demands, financial problems, or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.
When a person is under stress, the body reacts by releasing hormones that produce the “fight or flight” response. Heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure go up. Occasional stress is a normal coping mechanism. However, long-term stress (also called chronic stress) may contribute to or worsen a range of health problems including digestive disorders, headaches, sleep disorders, and other symptoms.
Trauma refers to a persistent emotional response to an event, series of events, or circumstances that an individual experiences as harmful or threatening. It can result in heightened stress and other lasting adverse impacts on a person’s functioning and well-being.
A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience. Experiences like natural disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods), acts of violence (such as assault, abuse, terrorist attacks, and mass shootings), as well as car crashes and other accidents can all be traumatic. Traumatic circumstances can include neglect, loss of a parent or companion, family conflict, racism, and discrimination. In some cases, emotional responses to traumatic events or circumstances continue for a long period of time and interfere with everyday life, a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stress and trauma may contribute to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and to substance use and its progression to substance use disorders.