Psychological stress and mental health are interconnected and can significantly impact one another. Here's a breakdown of the relationship between psychological stress and mental health:

Psychological Stress:
Definition: Psychological stress refers to the emotional and physiological responses that occur when an individual perceives a discrepancy between the demands placed on them and their ability to cope with those demands.

Causes: Stress can be triggered by various factors such as work pressures, financial difficulties, relationship problems, major life changes, or traumatic events.

Effects: Stress activates the body's "fight-or-flight" response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response is adaptive in the short term, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

Mental Health:
Definition: Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.

Importance: Good mental health is essential for coping with stress, relating to others, and making decisions. Mental health problems can disrupt these areas of life and lead to various emotional and physical complications.