What is one potential outcome of unmanaged cumulative stress?

Unmanaged cumulative stress can lead to the erosion of coping mechanisms, as individuals may struggle to effectively handle ongoing stressors without appropriate management strategies. When stress accumulates over time without being addressed, individuals may find it increasingly difficult to use their previously effective coping techniques. This erosion can result in heightened emotional distress, decreased resilience, and a tendency to react poorly under pressure. As individuals become overwhelmed, they might resort to maladaptive strategies, which can further exacerbate the situation, making it crucial to develop and maintain healthy coping mechanisms and stress management practices to mitigate these outcomes.