According to Selyes, the GAS involves three stages:
the alarm stage, the resistance stage, and exhaustion stage. The increased cortisol levels present the first stage drop because they are no longer needed. If the stressor is prolonged or overwhelms the ability of the body to defend itself, the exhaustion stage signs of “wear and tear” or systemic damage appear such as various emotional disturbances, mildly annoying headaches, insomnia, upset stomach, gastric and duodenal ulcers, certain types of rheumatic disorders, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases appear