As the stress response becomes chronic, the person may exhibit poorer concentration and memory and may be less organized in his coping. Physical problems may begin to develop, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and suppression of the immune system. For example, researchers have found that medical students are more likely to get infections during final exams. So, a little anxiety helps alertness, while moderate to high anxiety interferes with functioning. How stress affects people is not necessarily negative.
Some people feel challenged by negative stressors and develop greater toughness or sturdiness.
In part, the difference lies in how a person interprets a given stressor. Re-framing a stressor as a challenge can help you regain your sense of humor and creativity. When someone offers feedback well or poorly, consider if there is anything in what they are saying that is something for you to work on. BUT it is also valuable and a relief to be able to say, at least to a co-worker in private, how you feel. That it is not a great day.