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 situation
Stressors 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 mode
This is frequently called the “fight or flight” mode

5. Physical Changes in Fight or Flight Mode
These 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. 5
4. 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 death
Overwork, 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 Stressors
STOP – 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 commitments
Use 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