What it means
An event or condition that a person sees as a demand or threat. Stressors can be physical (injury, surgery, heat, noise), mental or emotional (fear, grief), or social (money, job, relationship problems). The body answers with the stress response: a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure and blood sugar, and release of cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry .
For the nurse
Ask clients what is causing them stress and how they usually cope. Help them use healthy coping methods and connect them with support such as social work or counseling.
At a glance
| Spanish | factor estresante, estresor |
|---|---|
| Also written | stressors |
Related terms
post-traumatic stress disorder
A mental health condition that develops after a person lives through or sees a terrifying event.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
mental health
A person's emotional, mental and social well-being, which affects how they think, feel, act and cope.