How Stress Affects Your Body Ch 3 Section 2

Warm-Up Activity Is there a relationship between stress and the risk of catching a cold. Writing: Predict why being in a prolonged stressful situation might increase the likelihood of getting a cold.

Objectives and Vocabulary List in order the three stages of the body’s response to stress. Identify four types of early warning signs for stress. Describe the relationship between stress and illness. Vocabulary Fight-or-flight response

Stages of Stress When you perceive something to be a threat, your body springs into action. Body response isn’t under your control—it’s automatic. The body’s response to stress occurs in three stages— Alarm stage Resistance stage Exhaustion stage

Alarm Stage Your body releases a substance called adrenaline into your blood. Adrenaline causes many immediate changes in your body. (see handout) Changes prepare you to either “fight” the stressor or “take flight” and escape. Initial reaction of the body to stress is called the fight-or-flight response.

Resistance Stage If you are unable to successfully respond to a stressor during the alarm stage, your body moves into the resistance stage. Body adapts to the continued presence of the stressor. The work your body does during this stage uses up a lot of energy. You may become tired, irritable, and less able to handle any added stress.

Exhaustion Stage Your body can no longer keep up with the demands placed on it. Physical and emotional resources are depleted. Exhaustion occurs only if a stressor continues for a long time—usually weeks, months, or even years. People may reach this stage when they experience extreme stress beyond their control—such as a death of a family member.

Recognizing Signs of Stress The warning signs of stress include changes in how your body functions and changes in Emotions Thoughts behaviors

Behavioral Changes Overeating or hardly eating at all Sleep Problems Hurrying; talking fast Withdrawing from relationships Reckless behavior

Physical Changes Muscle tension Headache Upset Stomach Pounding heart Shortness of breath Increased sweating Skin rash

Changes in Thinking Unable to concentrate Negative thinking Excessive worrying Self-criticism Critical of others

Emotional Changes Irritable Angry Impatient Nervous Increased crying

Journal Break What warning signs of stress do you routinely experience? Give an example and explain

Stress and Illness Severe or prolonged stress can affect your health. Stress can trigger certain illnesses, reduce the body’s ability to fight an illness, and make some diseases harder to control.

Stomachaches Stress disrupts the movement of food through the digestive system. Food may move too quickly or too slowly. Causing gas, cramps, diarrhea or constipation Stress also increases the amount of stomach acid.

Asthma Stress can be a trigger Asthmatic attack happens when the air passages of the respiratory system narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Helps when people with asthma recognize which stressors can trigger an attack.

Headaches Stress can trigger headaches. Tension in the muscles around your scalp, face, and neck may produce an aching or pounding sensation in your head. In addition to stress, certain foods, such as chocolate or large amounts of caffeine, can trigger headaches.

Lowered Resistance to Disease The immune system protects your body from disease through a complex process involving many specialized cells. When your immune system functions well, you are better able to resist illness. During the alarm stage—some parts of your immune system may function better than usual. Prolonged stress can prevent the immune system from functioning well. If your system is weakened, you may develop minor illnesses, such as colds more often.

Heart Disease Some effects of frequent or prolonged stress don’t show up until later in life. Can cause damage to the muscle fibers in your heart, also damage the linings of blood vessels. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” Reducing stress is one of the ways people can lower their blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Section 2 Review What are the three stages of the stress response? In what order do they occur? Why is the body’s response during the first stage of stressed called the fight-or-flight response? Describe four ways that you can recognize when you are under stress? What is the relationship between stress and illness