This can lead to a number of physical disorders such as pains and aches, headaches, constipation and high blood pressure. It can also cause anxiety, insomnia, fear and depression, particularly under conditions of chronic stress. On the other hand, moderate stress, in certain situations may have some positive aspects. It may serve to activate and motivate an individual to achieve personal or professional goals. Or it can serve to alert and energize a person in the performance of various tasks.
Individuals differ widely in what they perceive as stressful.
What causes a person to be more or less stress prone is not full understood. Certainly it has a genetic component like most other behavior. Additionally the numerous experiences one has during early and to even later development play an important role. Finally, family interactions as well as social and cultural influences also contribute. These include anti-depressants, tranquilizers and sedatives.