While some types of stress (eustress) can actually boost performance and optimal functioning, other types of stress have a negative and harmful influence on individuals. Distress refers to when the experience of stress is debilitating and takes a toll on an individual. An example of distress would be a situation in which a person suffers from unpleasant circumstances for a prolonged period of time, and it starts to negatively affect his or her emotional and physical health.
<span>Distress is the kind of stress that exceeds the optimal level, is no longer a positive force, and becomes excessive and debilitating.</span><span> It is a feeling of extreme worry, sadness, </span>acute physical or mental suffering. In a state of distress a person is unable to completely adapt to stressors and their resulting stress and shows maladaptive behaviors
