stressus

Stressus is a term that sometimes appears in informal discussions, often online, to describe a state of extreme or overwhelming stress. It is not a recognized medical or psychological term. When people use "stressus," they are typically referring to a feeling of being completely overloaded by demands, pressures, or anxieties, to the point where normal functioning is severely impaired. This can manifest as intense emotional distress, cognitive difficulties such as inability to concentrate, and physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle tension. The word itself is a portmanteau, combining "stress" with a suffix that implies a heightened or ultimate state, similar to how "summitus" might imply the peak of a mountain.

While the term is not clinical, the experiences it describes are very real and can be indicative of significant mental and physical strain. Chronic or acute overwhelming stress can have serious health consequences. Individuals experiencing what they might label as "stressus" are often advised to seek professional help from doctors or mental health practitioners who can diagnose and treat the underlying causes of their distress. Strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking social support, are generally recommended for preventing or alleviating such intense feelings of being overwhelmed.