What are the three stages of stress?

The three stages of stress are alarm, resistance (or adaptation), and exhaustion, which are part of the General Adaptation Syndrome proposed by Hans Selye.

In the alarm stage, an individual experiences an immediate response to a stressor. This refers to the body's initial 'fight or flight' reaction, where it releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This physiological change prepares the body to respond to a perceived threat.

The second stage, resistance (or adaptation), occurs if the stressor persists. During this phase, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stress, maintaining a state of heightened alertness while coping with the situation. While the body aims to return to homeostasis, it is still in a state of increased readiness, which can lead to increased resilience against the stressor.

Finally, in the exhaustion stage, if the stress continues for an extended period without adequate relief or recovery, the body depletes its energy sources. This can result in burnout, fatigue, and a range of physical and mental health issues due to prolonged exposure to stress.

These stages outline the progression of how individuals respond to chronic stress, making them integral to understanding stress management and coping strategies within a jail or correctional environment, where stress can significantly affect both