stages, successively replacing each other:
1) Stage of anxiety / mobilization. The body’s immediate stress response is activated, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing the secretion of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), resulting in heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, muscle tension and increased alertness. These changes represent the body’s initial protective response to stress.
2) The stage of resistance. If exposure to the stressor continues, the body tries to adapt to the current demands by maintaining relatively high levels of stress hormones and activating the autonomic nervous system. At this stage, more pronounced psychosomatic symptoms, such as gastrointestinal disorders, chronic headaches and muscle aches, may begin to appear due to the constant impact on vital organs and the endocrine system.3) The stage of exhaustion. When stress persists for a long period without adequate recovery periods, the body is unable to maintain physiological and psychological equilibrium (homeostasis), resulting in a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to disease, worsening of chronic physical symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and psychological disorders (anxiety and depression), illustrating a direct link between psychological stress and psychosomatic disorders.