MSL 101, Lesson 9: Stress Management Introduction to Stress Management

Slide 2 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 What is stress?  Body’s response to internal and external demands.  Triggered by good or bad changes and events in our lives Distress Eustress  Often results in a feeling of wanting to either fight the stress or run away from it

Slide 3 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Why do we feel stressed?  Change in life has an unsettling effect.  We are feeling challenged or threatened by an outside force.  We experience a loss of personal control.

Slide 4 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Symptoms of Stress PHYSICAL  Headaches  Fatigue  Gastrointestinal problems  Inability to focus/Lack of concentration  Sexual problems  Sleep disturbances  Hypertension (high blood pressure)  Sweating palms/Shaking hands  Anxiety  Heart problems (tachycardia, palpitations) BEHAVIORAL  Irritability  Disruptive eating patterns (over eat or under eat)  Harsh treatment of others  Increased smoking or alcohol consumption  Isolation  Compulsive shopping  Difficulty in communication

Slide 5 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Facts About Stress  Workplace stress causes about 1 million U.S. employees to miss work each day  Work-related stress can double people’s risk of dying from heart diseases  Health care expenditures are 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress  Stress was the most frequently reported impediment for academic success

Slide 6 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Common stressors in college  Greater academic demands  Being on your own in a new environment  Changes in family relations  Financial responsibilities  Changes in your social life  Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations  Preparing for life after graduation

Slide 7 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Ways to Respond to Stress  Assess priorities  Practice facing stressful moments  Realistic expectations  Incorporate healthy practices  Learn to accept changes as part of life

Slide 8 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Depression  Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide  Depression affects an estimated 9.5 percent of adult Americans ages 18 and over  18.8 million people a year report having depression

Slide 9 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Symptoms of Depression  Irritability, increased crying, and anxiety  Difficulty concentrating or making decisions  Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts  Persistent physical symptoms  Persistent sad or "empty" mood  Hopeless feeling  Substance abuse  Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities  Disturbances in eating/sleeping patterns

Slide 10 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Depression in College  10% of college students have been diagnosed with depression, including 13% of college women  In 2000, almost 7% of college students reported anxiety disorders; women are 5 times as likely to have anxiety disorders  Eating disorders affects 5-10 million women and 1 million men,with the highest rates occurring in college-aged women  Suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged , and the second leading killer in college students  Almost 7% of men and 12% of women ages report frequent mental distress – a key indicator for depression and other mental disorders. National Mental Health Association

Slide 11 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006

Slide 12 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Danger Signs of Suicide  Talking about suicide  Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness  Preoccupation with death  Suddenly happier or calmer  Loss of interest in things one cares about  Visiting or calling people one cares about  Setting one's affairs in order  Giving things away

Slide 13 of 13 MSL 101, Lesson 9 : Stress Management Rev. Apr 2006 Tips on Managing Stress  Organize Yourself  Control Your Environment  Positive Affirmations  Extracurricular Activities  Exercise, Relaxation and Rest  Nutrition  Self-Awareness  Humor