Exhaustion is associated with which stage of stress?

Exhaustion is indeed associated with Stage 3 of stress, which is known as the exhaustion stage in the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model. During this stage, the body's resources are depleted after prolonged exposure to stressors. The body initially goes through an alarm phase and a resistance phase. In Stage 3, if the stress continues and the individual is unable to cope effectively, they may experience physical and mental fatigue, decreased performance, and even health complications. The inability to manage ongoing stress leads to a breakdown in the body's normal functioning, resulting in symptoms such as exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, and potential illness. Understanding that exhaustion marks the culmination of chronic stress helps in recognizing the importance of stress management and recovery strategies for maintaining overall health and resilience.