STRESS

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

                                             

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Workplace Stress damages relationships reduces job satisfaction reduces productivity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

Burnout Stages Stress Arousal Stage Stress Resistance Stage Severe Exhaustion Stage

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

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.

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