CATEGORY 1: Types of Stressors
Stress caused by something blocking a goal.
Frustration.
Pushing painful thoughts out of awareness.
Repression
A major resource that helps people handle stress more effectively
Social support
Being overwhelmed by too many demands at once.
Stress overload
A disagreement with a partner about drinking or honesty.
External conflict.
Stress caused by expectations to meet demands or perform.
Pressure
Emotionally distancing yourself to avoid being hurt.
Emotional insulation
Stress that increases the risk of returning to substance use
Relapse pressure.
Feeling uncertain or fearful about what may happen
Anxiety
Choosing between two helpful recovery meetings at the same time.
Internal conflict between two positive choices.
Stress caused by a clash between two choices or needs.
Conflict
Using logic to avoid uncomfortable feelings
Intellectualization
Stress caused when someone doubts their ability to handle a situation.
Perceived threat.
Discouragement after repeated disappointment.
Emotional fatigue.
Avoiding hope to avoid disappointment.
Emotional insulation.
A stressor coming from within, like guilt or fear.
Internal stressor
Returning to immature or younger behaviors under stress
Regression
The first stress stage where tension and sensitivity rise sharply
Alarm stage
Tension that comes from imagining something bad will happen soon.
Anticipatory stress.
Saying “It could be worse” to avoid feeling upset.
Intellectualization
A stressor coming from outside, like rules or other people’s demands
External stressor
Pretending a stressful situation isn't happening.
Denial
The final stage where coping resources collapse
Exhaustion
Clinging to old coping patterns instead of adapting.
Defensive rigidity.
Teasing others about appearance because you feel insecure.
Regression