1 Unit 3.4 STRESS
2 STRESS is the body’s reaction to any stimulus that requires a person to adjust to a changing environment Change always initiates stress
3 Stressors are the stimuli to change, alter behavior or adapt to a situationStressors can be situations, events, or concepts Stressors can be internal or external forces
4 Regardless of the cause, stressors will cause the body to go into an alarm or warning modeThis is frequently called the “fight or flight” mode
5 Physical Changes in Fight or Flight ModeThese actions give the body a burst of energy and the stamina to respond to the stressor Adrenaline, a hormone, is released into the blood stream Blood vessels to the heart and brain dilate to increase blood flow to these areas Pupils in the eyes dilate to increase vision
6 4. Saliva production decreases and the mouth becomes dry. 54. Saliva production decreases and the mouth becomes dry. 5. Heart beats faster, respiratory rate increases, and the blood pressure increases
7 Many diseases have stress related origins:Migraine headaches Anxiety disorders Depression Allergies Asthma Digestive disorders Hypertension and heart disease insomnia
8 Causes of Stress Relationships with family, friends, and co-workers Job or school demands Caffeine, excessive sweets, salt Illness and lifestyle Financial problems
9 Family events such as birth, marriage, divorce, or deathOverwork, boredom, and negative feelings Time limitations Failure to achieve goals
10 Not all stress is harmful… makes a person more alert and have more energy Can help you get more organized and motivates you to accomplish tasks and achieve goals
11 Ways in which a person responds to stress determines whether it is helpful or harmful:If stress causes positive feelings it is helpful : excitement, anticipation, self confidence, sense of achievement If stress causes negative feeling it is harmful: frustration, irritability, anger, depression, emotional and physical exhaustion
12 Negative stress can also lead to substance abuse A person may smoke more, drink large amounts of alcohol, take drugs or eat excessively They do this to try to find comfort and escape from negative feelings.
13 The first step in learning to control stress is to identify stressors: 1. Recognize the symptoms of fight or flight 2. Try to become aware of the factors that cause these symptoms 3. Keep a list of stressors and try to find a way to eliminate them 4. When a stressful event occurs, note what, why, and how you deal with it
14 Use the Problem Solving Method to Eliminate Stressors Gather information Identify the problem List possible solutions Make a plan Act on your solution Evaluate the results Change the solution if necessary
15 4 Step Plan to Gain Control of StressorsSTOP – immediately stop what you are doing to break out of the stress response BREATHE –take a slow deep breath to relieve the physical tension REFLECT – think about the problem and the cause of the stress CHOOSE – determine how you want to deal with the stress
16 Stress Reducing Techniques: Live a healthier lifestyle Take a break from stressors Relax Escape Relieve Tension Rely on others Meditate
17 Develop outside interests Seek assistance Avoid too many commitmentsUse imagery Enjoy yourself Renew yourself Think positively Develop outside interests Seek assistance Avoid too many commitments
18 Healthcare workers must remember that patients experience stress when dealing with illness and/or disability The same techniques can be used by the healthcare worker to help patients learn to deal with stress