Effects of Stress Mental/Emotional, Social, & Physical Health

What is stress? The reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands. The reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands. Therefore, how ever much stress we experience is based on our perception. Therefore, how ever much stress we experience is based on our perception. What is perception? What is perception? Perception is the act of becoming aware through the senses. Perception is the act of becoming aware through the senses.

Types of Stress EUSTRESS = Good stress. EUSTRESS = Good stress. More effective in physical and psychological states. More effective in physical and psychological states. Ex. New car, being selected as class officer. Ex. New car, being selected as class officer. DISTRESS = Bad stress. DISTRESS = Bad stress. Interferes with physiological and psychological functioning. Ex. Negative or unpleasant event.

Physical Effects Minor Illnesses Minor Illnesses Sleeplessness Sleeplessness Upset stomach Upset stomach Headaches Headaches Muscle soreness Muscle soreness Dehydration Dehydration Skin Disorders Skin Disorders Colds/flu Colds/flu Fatigue Fatigue Major Illnesses Major Illnesses High Blood Pressure Heart Disease Stroke Stomach Ulcers Chronic Headaches TMJ Acid Reflux Digestive problems

Mental/Emotional/Social Effects Concentration = difficulty focusing during stressful periods of time. Negative self-talk. Concentration = difficulty focusing during stressful periods of time. Negative self-talk. Mood swings = Rollercoaster of emotions. May intensify for teens => HORMONES. Strain on family/friends & other relationships. Mood swings = Rollercoaster of emotions. May intensify for teens => HORMONES. Strain on family/friends & other relationships. Substance abuse = increase vulnerability to drug use. Substance abuse = increase vulnerability to drug use.

Chronic Stress Long-Term Problems = beyond a person’s control. Symptoms= insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, or anxiety. Long-Term Problems = beyond a person’s control. Symptoms= insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, or anxiety. REDUCE by: REDUCE by: Physical activity Physical activity Support of family/friends/social workers Support of family/friends/social workers Hobby or activity that relaxes you. Hobby or activity that relaxes you. AVOID tobacco, alcohol, and drugs AVOID tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

Stress Management 101 Identify Personal Stressors Identify Personal Stressors Life events (moving, illness, fighting, etc.) Life events (moving, illness, fighting, etc.) Physical stressors (pollution, noise, injury) Physical stressors (pollution, noise, injury) Daily stressors (time pressure, responsibility, deadlines) Daily stressors (time pressure, responsibility, deadlines) Avoid Stress with Refusal Skills (consider values). Avoid Stress with Refusal Skills (consider values). Plan Ahead = set goals, plan steps, and be flexible. Plan Ahead = set goals, plan steps, and be flexible.

Stress 101 (cont.) Sleep = focus and concentration. Sleep = focus and concentration. Physical Activity = releases nervous energy and relaxes. Physical Activity = releases nervous energy and relaxes. Nutritious Foods = healthy foods help absorb vitamins/minerals, increases energy, helps w/concentration, less fatigue. Nutritious Foods = healthy foods help absorb vitamins/minerals, increases energy, helps w/concentration, less fatigue.

The Body’s Response to Stress Two major body systems, nervous and endocrine are active during the body’s response to stressors. Two major body systems, nervous and endocrine are active during the body’s response to stressors. Are these responses voluntary or involuntary? Are these responses voluntary or involuntary? Involuntary or automatic and will happen regardless of the stressor. Involuntary or automatic and will happen regardless of the stressor.

3 Stages of Stress Response A= Alarm A= Alarm R= Resistance R= Resistance F= Fatigue F= Fatigue

Resistance Body adapts to the rush created by the alarm and reacts to the stressor. Body adapts to the rush created by the alarm and reacts to the stressor. Where does “fight or flight” take place? Where does “fight or flight” take place? Answer =Resistance Answer =Resistance

“Fight and Flight” In case of “fight” ability to resist physical challenge may be enhanced. In case of “fight” ability to resist physical challenge may be enhanced. In case of “flight” you may be able to run faster and farther in order to escape. In case of “flight” you may be able to run faster and farther in order to escape. In which stage do incredible feats take place? In which stage do incredible feats take place? RESISTANCE RESISTANCE

Fatigue Also known as the third stage, a tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of activity. Also known as the third stage, a tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of activity. Therefore, your ability to manage other stressors is very low. Therefore, your ability to manage other stressors is very low. Mind and body are exhausted. Mind and body are exhausted.