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Stress is more or less the opposite of relaxation. It can be defined in terms of four components:1
- A stressor or trigger is present (e.g., deployment, combat exposure, deadline, traffic, uncertainties)
- The individual finds the stressor or trigger to be stressful (not all people view the same events or triggers as stressors)
- The individual experiencing stress is attempting to cope with the stressful demands. Some people will be more effective at coping with stress than others.
- A complex set of reactions takes place in both the mind and the body. Again, stress reactions are experienced differently by everyone.
Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress—each with distinct characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches. More
Frequently Asked Questions about Stress
Continually updated to provide quick answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Military Leader Resources
For leaders who are responsible for service member health and readiness. Use these tools to help identify and support those who may be struggling with combat and family-related stress.
Professional Help
There are many pathways to seeking help and learning about treatment for stress. Take the first important step to seeking help, when you can't manage your stress on your own. Find a TRICARE provider, counselor or therapist, and more.
TRICARE Behavioral Health Benefits
The U.S. Department of Defense military health care system offers TRICARE Prime, Extra and Standard benefits to active duty service members, families and retirees. TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based health plan for Guard and Reserve service members and families. Please note: TRICARE does not cover treatment for stress, as an independent condition.
Treatment Options
Review the recommended treatment for stress, recognizing that stress, on its own, generally responds to lifestyle changes and other self-help interventions. Stress often affects other emotional and physical health conditions. Find a therapist or counselor, and more.
Self-Help Resources
Find a variety of tools; including fact sheets, videos, books and web sites, to help support service members, families and friends understand the impact of stress and how to make life style changes for stress management.