Physiology of Stress Teen Stress Management

Stress Stress is a natural part of life Stress accompanies efforts to adapt to almost any form of change Stress is a necessary and positive force Without stress we become bored, lethargic and stagnant

Stress Stress is a natural part of life Stress accompanies efforts to adapt to almost any form of change Stress is a necessary and positive force Without stress we become bored, lethargic and stagnant

What is Stress? External factors place demand on mind and body Internal state of emotional tension Physiological response to demands placed upon us Stress responses – physical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive,

Stressor Any physical, social, or psychological event or condition that triggers a stress reaction

Eustress Stress that produces positive effects At moderate levels, stress can actually improve your ability to concentrate and perform better Getting married, athletic events, singing, etc

Distress Stress that produces negative effects

Perceptions of Stress Everyone’s perception of stress may be different. What stresses one person out may not stress another person out. Ex. Who likes walking in the crowded hallways? Who likes hot humid days?

Review of Terms Stress - Physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral reactions Stressor – the event or change Distress – seen as negative Eustress – seen as positive **The body does not recognize the difference between distress and eustress

Homeostasis A balanced physical state body tries to maintain Bodies function more smoothly when balanced Stress interrupts homeostasis

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) A three-stage response to stress 1. Alarm Phase 2. Resistance Phase 3. Exhaustion Phase

Alarm Phase Homeostasis is disrupted Body prepares for “fight-or-flight” Autonomic nervous system (ANS) prepares body for action Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) energizes body Hypothalamus sends signal to pituitary gland Pituitary gland in brain releases ACTH (hormone) ACTH travels to adrenal glands on kidneys which releases cortisol

Pupils dilate Hearing sharpens Saliva decreases Heart rate increases Blood pressure increases Digestion slows Muscles tighten Alarm Phase, continued…….

Hormones Released During Alarm Phase ACTH: causes adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline Adrenaline: increases heart rate, increases blood pressure, increases energy, pupils expand, digestion slows Cortisol: makes stored nutrients available for energy demands

Resistance Phase The coping phase The body attempts to return to normal Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) attempts to slow systems down and regain homeostasis Body regains homeostasis if stress ends Body tries to adapt if stress continues

Exhaustion Phase If stress continues, body and mind become exhausted Energy is depleted Demands continue beyond our coping ability Body must rest Illness results from depleted energy

The Nervous System and Stress Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Responsible for stress arousal Signals body to release adrenaline and cortisol during alarm phase Energizes body Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Responsible for bringing stress under control The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)  Part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) that regulates body functions that we do not consciously control

Stress Responses Physiological Responses Cognitive Responses Behavioral Responses Emotional Responses Happen in body. Can feel or see these symptoms. Happen in mind. Thoughts you have when stressed. Show up in behavior while stressed. Feelings you have about stress. Fatigue “I can’t do it.” IsolationFear Headache “I’m trapped.” InsomniaWorry Nausea “Get me out of here.” AvoidanceAngry Dry Mouth “I’m going to fail.” Excessive Drinking Depressed