Final answer:
Depression is the state that produces symptoms similar to stress, causing fatigue, sadness, and suppression of the immune system among others. This contrasts with relaxation, euphoria, or meditation, which are associated with reducing stress and inducing positive mental states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state that produces symptoms similar to stress is depression. Unlike relaxation, euphoria, and meditation, which are typically associated with positive feelings and stress reduction, depression can manifest with symptoms that overlap with stress. These symptoms may include feelings of fatigue, persistent sadness, and physical symptoms such as changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Research has shown that continued stress can lead to a stage of exhaustion where individuals may experience depression.
This condition includes a suppression of the immune system and severe fatigue, among other health issues. In contrast, methods like meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercise are recognized for their positive effects on mental health and their ability to reduce stress.
Meditation, for example, is known to help reduce stress and induce a state of relaxation. The relaxation response technique, developed by Herbert Benson in the 1970s, is designed to counter stress by combining relaxation with elements of meditation.