What does prolonged exposure to stressors lead to, according to the stress response stages?

Prolonged exposure to stressors is well-documented to lead to a state of exhaustion and decreased resistance in the body. This concept is part of the General Adaptation Syndrome, which outlines how the body reacts to prolonged stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

During the alarm stage, the body responds to a stressor with an immediate fight-or-flight reaction, characterized by increased heart rate and energy mobilization. In the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stress, working to restore balance and maintain homeostasis. However, if the stress continues beyond the body's capacity to cope, it eventually enters the exhaustion stage. At this point, the body's resources are depleted, leading to physical and mental fatigue, a decline in immune function, and overall decreased resistance to both physiological and psychological issues.

This understanding is crucial for recognizing the importance of stress management strategies to avoid reaching this stage of exhaustion, where health complications like anxiety, depression, and physical ailments can arise. In contrast, increased energy levels, complete recovery, and enhanced coping mechanisms are more associated with short-term responses to stress rather than prolonged exposure.