WRECKING THINGS EXPLOSIONS: Someone always gets hurt VENTS: Always about feelings. No one gets mad or hurt. RESTS: Ways to take a break from feelings

Responses to Stressful Situations and Positive Coping

Stress “The Stress system is a complex, sophisticated, and carefully regulated adaptation that has been shaped by natural selection because it gives a selective advantage.”“The Stress system is a complex, sophisticated, and carefully regulated adaptation that has been shaped by natural selection because it gives a selective advantage.”

Components of The Stress Response Autonomic Nervous System: Action within the central nervous system that is “reflexive.”Autonomic Nervous System: Action within the central nervous system that is “reflexive.” 1.Sympathetic Nervous System – controls body’s internal organs 2.Parasympathetic Nervous System – body at rest 3.Enteric Nervous System

Components of The Stress Response  Alarm Stage  Resistance Stage  Exhaustion Stage

The hormone adrenaline is released in to the bloodstream, which causes many physical changes in the body. The body’s response to stress is also known as the "fight or flight“ response. Alarm Stage

The Sympathetic Nervous System takes an active role in triggering the stress response.The Sympathetic Nervous System takes an active role in triggering the stress response. The Sympathetic Nervous System effects include increased:The Sympathetic Nervous System effects include increased: –arousal –blood pressure –heart rate –respiratory rate –physical activity Fight or Flight = ALARM Stage

Muscles become tense.Muscles become tense. Heart rate increases.Heart rate increases. Blood pressure increases.Blood pressure increases. Breathing increases.Breathing increases. Pupils dilate.Pupils dilate. Digestion slows down or stops.Digestion slows down or stops. Hearing becomes better.Hearing becomes better. Sweating increases.Sweating increases. Skin temperature decreases.Skin temperature decreases. Immune system slows down.Immune system slows down. More blood is sent to the muscles for quickMore blood is sent to the muscles for quickmovement. Liver releases sugar for quick energy.Liver releases sugar for quick energy. Amount of stomach acid increases.Amount of stomach acid increases. Fight or Flight

Acts as an equalizerActs as an equalizer Brings body functions back to stabilityBrings body functions back to stability Resistance Stage

Exhaustion Stage Energy is depletedEnergy is depleted Body returns to normal if stress is removedBody returns to normal if stress is removed Body returns to alarm stage if stress continues which over time can result in stress-related diseases:Body returns to alarm stage if stress continues which over time can result in stress-related diseases: –Skin disorders –Gastrointestinal upset –Menstrual irregularities –Cardiovascular disorders

Healthy Amounts of Stress Since the mind is largely responsible for determining what is considered to be a source of stress, you need to examine stressors that you have some control over and which stressors are out or your control. Positive coping skills need to be used to deal with positive and negative stressors.

Healthy Amounts of Stress Stress acts as a motivator, but too much stress can lead to mental illness such as anxiety or depression.Stress acts as a motivator, but too much stress can lead to mental illness such as anxiety or depression.

Stress-Related Diseases & Conditions Gastrointestinal disordersGastrointestinal disorders Skin DisordersSkin Disorders CancerCancer Cardiovascular disordersCardiovascular disorders DepressionDepression AnxietyAnxiety

Stressors in the Modern World? UnemploymentUnemployment Financial difficultiesFinancial difficulties TrafficTraffic Social frustrationsSocial frustrations Deadlines: homework,Deadlines: homework, career, taxes, bills career, taxes, bills

Stressors before Modern Civilization Need for foodNeed for food Need for waterNeed for water Need for shelterNeed for shelter Successfully hunting and gatheringSuccessfully hunting and gathering Surviving constant threats in lifeSurviving constant threats in life

Stress Management in Ancient Civilizations Worship ( spirituality/religion )Worship ( spirituality/religion ) HieroglyphicsHieroglyphics ConstellationsConstellations FINDING MEANING IN LIFEFINDING MEANING IN LIFE

Stress Management Today EatEat ExerciseExercise Hurt selfHurt self Prayer and meditationPrayer and meditation Rx medicationsRx medications Smoking/ drinking/ drugsSmoking/ drinking/ drugs Talking to friends and familyTalking to friends and family Television, reading, or listening to musicTelevision, reading, or listening to music

Warning Signs of Stress Physical Signs of Stress HeadacheHeadache Increased sweatingIncreased sweating Sweaty palmsSweaty palms Tightness of chestTightness of chest DiarrheaDiarrhea Nervous stomachNervous stomach Slumped posture Slumped posture Inability to fall asleep Inability to fall asleep Dry mouth Dry mouth Increase in crying Increase in crying Fatigue Fatigue Neck or backache Neck or backache

Warning Signs of Stress Emotional/Mental Signs of Stress IrritabilityIrritability Angry outburstAngry outburst ImpatienceImpatience NightmaresNightmares Loss of interestLoss of interest Anxiety / nervousnessAnxiety / nervousness Negative thinkingNegative thinking Jealousy Forgetfulness Lowered self-esteem Inability to concentrate Focusing on the past Resistant to change Preoccupation

Warning Signs of Stress Behavorial Signs of Stress RestlessnessRestlessness FidgetingFidgeting CarelessnessCarelessness Loss of appetite or overeatingLoss of appetite or overeating Unable to sleepUnable to sleep Chronic fatigueChronic fatigue Decreased productivityDecreased productivity Increase in alcohol/drug useIncrease in alcohol/drug use Increase in risk takingIncrease in risk taking Withdrawing from relationshipsWithdrawing from relationships