Which of the following best describes the exhaustion stage of stress?

The exhaustion stage of stress is characterized by the depletion of both physical and mental resources. During this stage, the body's ability to cope with ongoing stress has been overwhelmed. After an extended period of stress, the initial response — including the alarm phase where adrenaline and other stress hormones flood the system — wears out the body's defenses. This can lead to fatigue, burnout, and a range of health issues because the individual no longer has the energy or resources to effectively manage the stressors they face. Thus, the description of physical and mental resources being depleted accurately captures the essence of the exhaustion stage in the stress response cycle.