Recognizing Signs of Stress & Strategies and Resources for Support School of Medicine: New Staff Orientation October 1, 2009 Presenter: Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP, Manager of Education and Outreach, FSAP

There are just THOSE days…

Stress 101: What is stress? A physical, emotional, and psychological response to perceived threats, challenges & opportunities A condition or feeling experienced when people perceive that their demands exceed their access to resources

Facts About Stress Can be triggered by events involving intense, conflicting, or changing: people, problems, positions, priorities, progress, phases, or philosophies; most importantly perceptions Can be exacerbated by other factors such as untreated depression, medical problems, relationships, etc.) About two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for stress-related problems

Stress Response The stress response is meant to be brief and adaptive Options: Fight or Flight ?

Symptoms of Mismanaged Stress Mental health Anxiety/fear, confusion, poor concentration, helplessness, hopelessness, depression, low morale, fatigue, pessimism, irritability Physical health Stress-related illness (hypertension, ulcers, acid reflux/heartburn, headaches, skin rash, etc.) Organizational health Increased absenteeism, diminished productivity, team conflict, turnover Relationships (personal and professional) Conflict, tension, misunderstanding, anger, emotional or physical abuse

Work-Related Factors Contributing to Stress Lack of control over work Lack of control over economic impact Unrealistic expectations Too high a work load, impossible deadlines Too low a workload, no or few challenges Low task variety, under-utilization of skills Low pay Undervalued position

Work-Related Factors (Continued) High uncertainty Poorly defined roles and responsibilities Lack of clear priorities and targets Job insecurity Poor working conditions (e.g. noise, overcrowding, excessive heat, inadequate breaks) Low interpersonal support (e.g. inadequate or insensitive management, hostility from colleagues)

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk PRODUCTIVITY Decrease in Work Productivity, Quality or Performance Missed Deadlines High Error/Accident/Mistake Rate Reduced Job Efficiency Making Poor Decisions Complaints from Customers/Others Decrease in Initiative Irregular Work Patterns

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk ATTENDANCE Increased Absenteeism/Tardiness Multiple Unauthorized Leaves Excessive Sick Leave Leaving Work Early Repeated Absences That Follow a Specific Pattern Unusual or Improbable Reasons or Excuses for Absences Frequent Breaks

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk BEHAVIOR Difficulties in Concentration or Confusion Noticeable Withdrawal or Isolation Increased Agitation or Irritability Poor Relationships with Coworkers Communication Problems Decline in Appearance or Hygiene Increased Complaints of Physical Ailments Extreme Mood Swings Under the Influence Atypical or Unusual Behaviors

What’s Stressing YOU?

It’s not the STRESSOR that creates the stress!! Rather, it’s your mind’s perception of the stressor and of your perceived resources to meet the stressor’s demands that creates stress. Ex.- Consider how stressed you’d be by having to buy a new car (stressor) if you had a million dollars to spare versus if you had no money (resources).

Therefore, ask yourself: Am I accurately perceiving and appraising the stressor? Am I accurately perceiving and appraising my capacity to meet the demands of the stressor?

Cognitive/Emotional Management of STRESS Think about your thinking “The mind takes on the qualities of the things it thinks about.” Redirect your thought processes Problem-solve instead of worry and fret Take mental breaks (distractions, meditation) “Out of my mind – Back in 5 minutes.” Journal your thoughts, worries, concerns “Get it out from behind your eyes so you can see it.” Talk out your thoughts, worries, concerns Check your attitude (“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, YOU’RE RIGHT!”) Organize your time, priorities and responsibilities Make the most of spontaneity and downtime

Physiological Management of STRESS Nutrition Reduce salt, saturated fats, caffeine, and carbonation. Increase foods that contain vitamins B & C, calcium, and protein (e.g., dairy, fruits & vegs) Exercise Break a sweat at least 3 to 4 times per week Sleep and Relaxation Get at least 6 hours uninterrupted every 24 hrs Practice deep breathing, stretching/relaxing daily CAUTION: Avoid numbing or masking your stress with alcohol and other substances!!

How To Beat Burnout Know your own warning signs of stress overload Focus on what you can control Strive to leave your work at work Make time for self and significant others Know and accept your limitations Exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep Connect with those around you Find ways to have fun each day

Utilize Resources FSAP - counseling and coaching Workshops – stress/change management, work-life integration, time management Community resources Family, friends, colleagues, advisors The Work-Life Resource Center (www.worklife.emory.edu) Emory Meditation Stations

Utilize Financial Resources Emory Express Emergency Loan- Emory Alliance Credit Union “Sparkfly” Discount Program Fitness facility discounts Basic Budgeting workshops Online budgeting tools –(www.mint.com, www.cccsatlanta.org)

Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness Faculty Staff Assistance Program Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness www.fsap.emory.edu (404) 727-WELL

Behavioral Mental Health Services Personal Counseling for individuals/couples/families External Referrals & Case Management Psychiatric consultation Career Counseling On-site Critical Incident Stress Management Consultations for leadership and non-leadership 24-hour on-call assistance

Behavioral Mental Health Free and confidential services for employees and their immediate family household members Confidential means CONFIDENTIAL!

Common Presenting Problems Behavioral Mental Health Common Presenting Problems Depression and Anxiety Workplace Issues Family/Marital/Relational Substance Abuse Grief and Loss Intimate Partner Violence Financial Challenges

Referral Process Self Referrals Leadership Referrals Fitness for Duty Manager Resources Link www.emory.edu/fsap/workplace

Health Promotion & Wellness Services Individualized Wellness Program Fitness, Nutrition & Life Style Coaching StressBreaks / HealthBreaks Walking Groups and Programs Work Life Integration Programs Freedom from Smoking Classes Weight Watchers @Emory Flu Shot Clinics Lunch and Learn Programs Health Fairs/Screenings Weight Loss Challenge Pilot (W3)

Organizational Dynamics Services A systematic process designed to promote organizational health Consultations, Assessments and Interventions Executive and Leadership Coaching Customized Workshops Mediation and Facilitated Discussions Retreat Facilitation* *Some services require a nominal fee

Education and Outreach Services Workshops: Managing Financial Stress Managing Change & Self Care Work-Life Integration Life Cycle Series – Workshops focused on different phases of life Groups: Grief & Loss Support Group Aftercare Addiction Recovery Support Group Anger Management Skills Group Stress-Less Skills Group

Accessing Services Visit one of our four locations Call 404-727-WELL or 404-727-4328 for a confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Early morning and evening appointments available by request 24 hour on-call service: 404-727-4328, press 2

Four Locations The Emory Wellness Center 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite P1100 Emory University Hospital Midtown Orr Building* Grady Hospital Campus Steiner Building, Room G04* Office of Disability Services Administration Building* 404.727.4328 or 7-WELL *By appointment only

FSAP Resources FSAP Website: www.fsap.emory.edu Workplace Resources Leadership Guides Two informational videos: FSAP Overview, and Faculty & Staff At Risk FSAP Email: efsap@emory.edu Telephone Consultations All About Health

Faculty Staff Assistance Program Call The Wellness Center 404-727-WELL www.fsap.emory.edu