May 27, 2025
Stress Isn’t all Bad
As a younger professional, I attended a workshop that was instructed by South Dakota State University extension specialist Ann Michelle Daniels on types of stress. It was memorable for me, because it explained the two major kinds of stress: eustress, and distress.
I had never heard of the different types of stresses before then. Twenty-four years later, that presentation continues to help me recognize and cope with adversity every day of my career. That and a little thicker skin!
For me it helps to understand the types of stress and how to manage them. In many cases, stress is a positive force in our lives, but other times it can be overwhelming.
KSRE has our own Stress and Resiliency Team with many resources, and I encourage you to explore these at www.ksre.k-state.edu/program-areas/health-and-wellness/stress-management.
I’ve also included a link to an article that contains a nice summary for you to read. www.choosingtherapy.com/eustress-vs-distress/
There are many good points in the article, but there is a bullet point that says “Find Meaning in Difficult and Stressful Situations.” This is typically one of the thoughts farthest from our minds when we find ourselves in a challenging situation. We might see the positive afterwards, but many times, we may not recognize it at all. Again, education on this topic helps put the experience in context.
Being in stressful positions simply does not feel good, but the experience will help you in similar circumstances by helping you understand and control your emotions, as well as what actions could be taken to resolve the issue.
It’s kind of like parenting; the first time your child does something you aren’t in favor of, you may have mishandled it. Analyzing and reflecting on the experience allows you to handle it better next time. I can think of a couple circumstances that have resulted in stronger professional relationships with colleagues as outcomes of stressful positions.
This doesn’t mean that you should seek out distressful situations, but addressing them with an intent that is well-thought out will make you a stronger person. Experience is highly valuable in this situation, but understanding the driving forces and the tools to deal with them will likely assist with a better outcome.
Everyone has a breaking point, and if you have found yours, please reach out to someone able to help. A good place to start is only a phone call away: K-State CAPS, 785-532-6927