Stress refers to a response to external pressures or demands that exceed an individual's adaptive resources. It can manifest as emotional, physical, or psychological strain and can arise from various sources, such as work, relationships, or life changes. Stress can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and while some stress can be motivating and beneficial (eustress), excessive or prolonged stress (distress) can lead to negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and physical illness.
Trauma, on the other hand, is a psychological response to an event or series of events that are extremely distressing or disturbing. Trauma can result from experiences such as abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or severe loss. Unlike stress, which can be a temporary response to pressure, trauma is often characterized by lasting emotional and psychological effects, which may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships. Trauma can significantly impact an individual’s sense of safety and well-being and often requires more specialized therapeutic interventions for healing and recovery.
In summary, while stress is a response to challenges and demands, trauma specifically relates to the emotional and psychological impact of severe distressing experiences.