Eustress and distress are two different types of stress. Eustress is a positive form of stress that can be helpful in certain situations. It can provide us with energy and motivation to reach our goals and can promote feelings of energy, focus, excitement, or fulfillment. Eustress is typically caused by positive experiences, such as starting a new job or getting married, and can produce positive effects, such as building mental resilience and even building physical strength. On the other hand, distress is a negative form of stress that causes feelings of worry, fear, or anxiety. It is typically caused by negative experiences and situations, such as losing a job or when a family member is diagnosed with an illness. Distress can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, digestive issues, or insomnia, and it can worsen or cause serious health conditions, such as heart disease.

It is important to note that not all experts agree with the concepts of eustress and distress, and the effect of stress will largely depend on individual factors. An event that one person experiences as stressful but ultimately rewarding might be profoundly upsetting to another person. Any type of stress can feel unpleasant in the moment, but not all types are harmful. In fact, eustress may come with rewarding feelings that encourage personal growth in the long term.

Examples of eustress stressors include exercising, practicing mindfulness, watching a movie, vacationing, building relationships/friendships, and participating in an athletic event. Examples of distress stressors include deadlines, financial crisis, death of a loved one, relationship problems, and abuse or feeling neglected.

To determine whether a stressor is eustress or distress, one can ask themselves a few questions. How do they respond to certain stressors? Do they let it overwhelm them or make use of the energy? Another way to think of stressors is as “threats” or “challenges”. Does this particular stressor feel like a threat to their health or happiness at this current moment, or is it a challenge to overcome for the better?

In summary, eustress and distress are two different types of stress, with eustress being a positive form of stress that can be helpful in certain situations, while distress is a negative...