Long-Term Effects

Without therapeutic intervention, being subjected to work-related stress, injury, or abuse over the long term may lead to burnout, a chronic condition manifested by cynicism, anger, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. People suffering from burnout often do not connect their feelings and behavior with the chronic stress they are under.

Absorbing responsibility for something over which one has no control can lead to depression. High rates of obesity among nurses have also been associated with daily and insidious job-related stress such as short-staffing and insufficient time for proper nutrition (Han, Trinkoff, Storr, & Geiger-Brown, 2011).

It is important to recognize the range of possible responses to stress and trauma as normal. With therapeutic intervention, unhealthy response to chronic stress and/or acute crisis can be avoided.