Someone always gets hurt Ways to take a break from feelings EXPLOSIONS: Someone always gets hurt WRECKING THINGS 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.” Emphasize that stress is functional, and that the same stress response in businessmen was in hunters and gatherers. Stress response is the same but stressors are different. 3

Components of The Stress Response Autonomic Nervous System: Action within the central nervous system that is “reflexive.” Sympathetic Nervous System – controls body’s internal organs Parasympathetic Nervous System – body at rest Enteric Nervous System Such as the stress response. 4

Components of The Stress Response Alarm Stage Resistance Stage Exhaustion Stage Such as the stress response. 5

Alarm 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. Needs to be a healthy balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic. These 2 systems are constantly active, thus constantly trying to maintain balance. http://www.google.com/imgres?q=balance&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=950&tbm=isch&tbnid=uOr_BMGMwPZHlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.crystalvaults.com/pages/crystal_harmony.php&docid=CNXY7ZEZW1AbcM&imgurl=http://www.crystalvaults.com/images/balance_yinyang_symbol.gif&w=352&h=341&ei=t6a6TvHfIIjg2AW735j-Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=542&vpy=317&dur=560&hovh=221&hovw=228&tx=117&ty=109&sig=106962588013688018438&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=132&tbnw=136&start=0&ndsp=51&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0 6

The Sympathetic Nervous System effects include increased: Fight or Flight = ALARM Stage The Sympathetic Nervous System takes an active role in triggering the stress response. The Sympathetic Nervous System effects include increased: arousal blood pressure heart rate respiratory rate physical activity For more effects, see Appendix 1 on the Lesson Plan. 7

Fight or Flight Muscles become tense. Heart rate increases. Blood pressure increases. Breathing increases. Pupils dilate. Digestion slows down or stops. Hearing becomes better. Sweating increases. Skin temperature decreases. Immune system slows down. More blood is sent to the muscles for quick movement. Liver releases sugar for quick energy. Amount of stomach acid increases. For more effects, see Appendix 1 on the Lesson Plan. 8

Resistance Stage Acts as an equalizer Brings body functions back to stability Needs to be a healthy balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic. These 2 systems are constantly active, thus constantly trying to maintain balance. http://www.google.com/imgres?q=balance&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=950&tbm=isch&tbnid=uOr_BMGMwPZHlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.crystalvaults.com/pages/crystal_harmony.php&docid=CNXY7ZEZW1AbcM&imgurl=http://www.crystalvaults.com/images/balance_yinyang_symbol.gif&w=352&h=341&ei=t6a6TvHfIIjg2AW735j-Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=542&vpy=317&dur=560&hovh=221&hovw=228&tx=117&ty=109&sig=106962588013688018438&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=132&tbnw=136&start=0&ndsp=51&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0 9

Exhaustion Stage Energy is depleted Body returns to normal if stress is removed 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. Stress is designed to optimize performance. 11

Healthy Amounts of Stress Stress acts as a motivator, but too much stress can lead to mental illness such as anxiety or depression. Stress is designed to optimize performance. 12

Stress is designed to optimize performance. 13

Stress-Related Diseases & Conditions Gastrointestinal disorders Skin Disorders Cancer Cardiovascular disorders Depression Anxiety

Stressors in the Modern World? Unemployment Financial difficulties Traffic Social frustrations Deadlines: homework, career, taxes, bills All of which do not threaten ones life. These stressors are derrived from the humans ambition to be successful in our modern society. It is important to not that these are stressors that have the potential to be continuous and engrained in our daily life. So even though these stressors seem petty and miniscule, it is important to note that they have the potential to be long term stressors….resulting in anxiety/depression etc. 15

Stressors before Modern Civilization Need for food Need for water Need for shelter Successfully hunting and gathering Surviving constant threats in life All of which are functional and have to do with survival 16

Stress Management in Ancient Civilizations Worship (spirituality/religion) Hieroglyphics Constellations FINDING MEANING IN LIFE All designed to add meaning to life 17

Stress Management Today Eat Exercise Hurt self Prayer and meditation Rx medications Smoking/ drinking/ drugs Talking to friends and family Television, reading, or listening to music As the class to examine which stress management tools are healthy, unhealthy, or could be either one. 18

Warning Signs of Stress Physical Signs of Stress Headache Increased sweating Sweaty palms Tightness of chest Diarrhea Nervous stomach Slumped posture Inability to fall asleep Dry mouth Increase in crying Fatigue Neck or backache As the class to examine which stress management tools are healthy, unhealthy, or could be either one. 19

Warning Signs of Stress Emotional/Mental Signs of Stress Irritability Angry outburst Impatience Nightmares Loss of interest Anxiety / nervousness Negative thinking • Jealousy • Forgetfulness • Lowered self-esteem • Inability to concentrate • Focusing on the past • Resistant to change • Preoccupation As the class to examine which stress management tools are healthy, unhealthy, or could be either one. 20

Warning Signs of Stress Behavorial Signs of Stress Restlessness Fidgeting Carelessness Loss of appetite or overeating Unable to sleep Chronic fatigue Decreased productivity Increase in alcohol/drug use Increase in risk taking Withdrawing from relationships As the class to examine which stress management tools are healthy, unhealthy, or could be either one. 21