1. STRESS

2. Stress
an estimated 75-90% of visits to primary care physicians are for stress- related issues and problems
job stress is a major source of stress
in adults
children, teenagers, students, and the elderly are also feeling more stress

5. Stress what causes you stress? identify your major stressors
what happens when you are under stress?
what is all this stress doing to you?

6. Types of Stressors psychological issues environmental concerns
poor nutrition
role conflict/ambiguity, multiple roles
sociological, political, ethnic, cultural issues
physical illness/disability
biomechanical (repetitive strain)
developmental issues

7. FIGHT OR FLIGHT contemporary stress more pervasive,
insidious, and persistent
this reaction stems primarily from psychological rather than physical stress
and causes ingrained and immediate reactions that were originally designed to help us in emergency situations

8. The Stress Reaction heart rate and blood pressure increase
there is also increased blood flow to the brain for decision-making activity
blood sugar level increases for more energy (glycogen released)
blood is shunted from G/I tract to large muscles for strength to fight or take flight
clotting occurs quickly to prevent blood loss

9. The Stress Reaction
adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones are released into the bloodstream
the mouth becomes dry
the immune symptom is dampened
the skin is cool due to sweating
the scalp tightens

10. The Stress Reaction
this reaction is fine when confronted with a sabre-tooth tiger, but in the modern world is not adaptive
today, most of our stress is psychological
and not physical in origin (for example, getting stuck in traffic or taking an exam)

12. JOB STRESS
-occupational pressures are responsible for: 30% of workers suffering from back pain -28% complaining of "stress" -20% feeling very fatigued -17% experiencing muscular pains -13% with headaches

14. Workplace Stress damages relationships reduces job satisfaction
reduces productivity

15. Work Stressors lack of participation in decisions affecting you
unrelenting/unreasonable demands
poor communication & conflict resolution
lack of job security
long hours & lots of time away from home
office politics and conflicts
wages don’t equal level of responsibility

16. Physiologic Effects
inability to adapt to stress is associated with depression & anxiety
stress may disrupt serotonin (well being) levels
acute stress associated with higher risk of
heart arrhythmias & heart attacks
fat released into bloodstream &
increases cholesterol levels
chronic stress in women may reduce
insulin levels
muscle and joint pain

17. Conditions Increasing Susceptibility to Stress
poor early nurturing
personality traits
genetic factors
immune system diseases can impair
response to stress
the longer and more intense the stress,
the more harmful

18. Those At Higher Risk
in the young and the elderly, stress may go unnoticed or be ignored
women more than men
working mothers encounter more stress due to greater and more diverse work load
divorced or widowed people
the unemployed
urban dwellers more than suburbanites

19. ELDERLY often exposed to major stressors medical problems
loss of spouse and friends
change in living conditions
financial worries
loss of control

20. CAREGIVERS
of physically or mentally disabled families face chronic stress
spouses of disabled partner have more stress-related problems

21. ANGRY PERSONALITIES less emotionally stable or those with
high anxiety may “catastrophize”
there is an association between anger, irritability, hostility and narrowing of the arteries
also being self-conscious in public and suppressing anger
combined with low social support, the situation is worse

22. Strategies to Help Deal with Stress
a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition/exercise
cognitive-behavioral therapy
identifying stress and learning to relax
attitude– “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

23. SELF-EFFICACY efficacy is the capacity to accomplish tasks
self-efficacy is the perceived ability to handle problems & overcome hardship
stress is minimal when you can look upon problems as opportunities to overcome adversity & gain experience

24. Perception & Assessment
keep it in perspective
ask yourself, “what is the worst
that can happen?
can we look for an unexpected benefit?
assess the situation, consider past experience
problem-solve (take action)
make a decision regarding action
vs acceptance of the situation

25. Risk for Burnout having lofty ideals
getting impatient/annoyed frequently
only your ideas areright
blaming yourself (“shoulds”)
tendency to blame others
feeling you have to do everything yourself
equally upset about minor hassles
feeling you have more to do and less & less time

26. Burnout Stages Stress Arousal Stage Stress Resistance Stage
Severe Exhaustion Stage

27. Stress Arousal Stage persistent irritability and anxiety
bruxism and/or insomnia
occasional forgetfulness and /or
inability to concentrate

28. Stress Resistance Stage
absenteeism or tardiness at work
tired & fatigued for no reason
procrastination & indecision
social withdrawal & cynicism
resentful, indifferent, defiant
increased use of coffee, alcohol,
tobacco, etc.

29. Severe Exhaustion Stage
chronic sadness or depression
chronic mental & physical fatigue
chronic stress related illnesses
(headache, stomach ache,
bowel problems)
isolation, withdrawal, and
self-destructive thoughts