Measure the effects of stress on corporate profitability. Stress is a physical and psychological response to perceived demands and pressures from without and from within. To respond to these demands and pressures, we mobilize physical and emotional resources. Too frequent, extreme, or prolonged mobilization strains us and generates distress signals. Eventually, stress can lead to even more serious distress, such as cancer, diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.
Acute stress is what most people identify as stress.
It makes itself felt through tension headaches, emotional upsets, gastrointestinal disturbances, feelings of agitation and pressure. It's easily treatable and can be brought under control in six to eight weeks. Episodic acute stress is more serious and can lead to migraines, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, anxiety, depression, serious gastrointestinal distress. It's quite treatable, but it takes general life style readjustments, four to six months, and often requires professional help. Chronic stress is the most serious of all.