The way we respond to stress varies depending upon our personality, early upbringing, and life experiences. Everyone has their own pattern of stress response, and warning signs may vary in their intensity.

The symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional, and behavioural. Any of these symptoms can indicate a degree of stress which, if left unresolved, might have serious implications. Psychological symptoms include worrying about problems, feeling anxiety, or becoming depressed.

A wide range of events and conditions can generate stress. There are three major types of stresses: physical and environmental, psychological, and social. Among the most important sources are major stressful life events (such as death of a loved one or personal injury), the annoying frequent hassles of everyday life, and traumatic events.

Psychological stress are stresses that we generate ourselves in our minds; they are internal sources of stress like frustration, conflicts, and internal and social pressures. Social stress are induced externally and result from our interaction with other people, such as death or illness in the family, strained relationships, or trouble with neighbours. These social stresses vary widely from person to person.