Chronic stress refers to long-term exposure to stressors that persist over an extended period. It can result from ongoing difficulties or repeated traumatic experiences, leading to continuous activation of stress responses in the body.
Related terms
Stressors: External events or situations that trigger physical and psychological responses known as stress.
Fight-or-flight Response: A physiological response triggered by perceived threats or stressors, preparing individuals for either confrontation (fight) or escape (flight).
Allostatic Load: The cumulative wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress, which can lead to negative health outcomes over time.