Identifying Stress: Two Key Questions to Assess Your Situation

1. Is there a threat to your physical or emotional safety?

This is the most important factor to consider when assessing whether a situation is stressful. If you feel threatened, your body will go into "fight or flight" mode, which can cause a number of physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension.

2. Do you have the resources to cope with the situation?

If you don't have the resources to cope with a situation, it can be very stressful. For example, if you're facing financial difficulties, you may not know how to pay your bills or provide for your family. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.