> stress is mostly the result of external stimuli. This is a common misconception when the concept of biological stress is applied to humans. It stems from the

> stress is mostly the result of external stimuli. This is a common misconception when the concept of biological stress is applied to humans. It stems from the correct observation that an increase in external stressors usually increases stress. If you are interested in the science, two helpful models to conceptualise stress are Lazarus' stress model [1] and the jobs-demands-resources model [2]. Stress is the result of a lack of resources to deal with demands (stressors), not stressors themselves! As an example, most of us will never be air traffic controllers, simply because we would not be able to deal with the demands. This is not to say the most effective way to treat stress isn't to remove the stressor. It's simply another avenue that can be pursued in parallel, and sometimes the only one available, in particular when stressors are internal (think negative thoughts, phobias, mental health). [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appraisal_theory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appraisal_theory [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_demands-resources_model https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_demands-resources_model