1 Your Body, Mind, and Stress

2 Body Image The stress of not measuring up Forgetting about what happens inside

3 The Physiology of Stress The body as a system Fight or flight General Adaptation Syndrome Stress and disease Mental Health Appreciation for our bodies

4 The Body As A System

5 Fight or Flight Walter Cannon Four stages: –Stage one: Stimulus –Stage two: Threat determination –Stage three: Arousal –Stage four: Return to homeostasis

6 Bodily Systems Activated By Stressors Autonomic nervous system Endocrine system

7 Autonomic Nervous System Stressor  Adrenal glands secrete adrenaline Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Sympathetic Physiological response –Heart rate increases –Muscles tense –Blood pressure rises –Pupils dilate –Breathing increases –Perspiration

8 Endocrine System Stressor  Hypothalamus  CRF released  Pituitary gland  ACTH  Bloodstream  Adrenal glands  Produce adrenaline and glucocorticoids  Physiological response

9 General Adaptation Syndrome Hans Selye Three stages –Stage one: Alarm –Stage two: Resistance –Stage three: Exhaustion

10 Systems Affected By Stress Immune system Cardiovascular system Gastrointestinal system Muscles Skin Sexual reproduction

11 Immune System Immediate, very brief enhancement of immunity Prolonged stress  Immunity suppression

12 Cardiovascular System Increased blood pressure Cumulative effects

13 Gastrointestinal System Ulcers Diarrhea and Constipation IBS Appetite –Decreases w/ one long, continual stressor –Increases w/ lots of short stressors

14 Muscles Tension Bracing Orthopedic problems

15 Skin Perspiration Acne

16 Sexual Reproduction Males –Decreased testosterone production –Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection –Decreased sex drive –Impotency and Premature ejaculation associated with stress Females –Decreased estrogen production –Disrupted menstrual cycle –Disrupted libido –Possibly less likely to conceive –Increased rate of miscarriage

17 Diseases Related to Stress Hypertension Stroke Coronary Heart Disease Ulcers Migraine Headaches Tension Headaches Allergies Rheumatoid Arthritis Backache TMJ Syndrome

18 For More Information… Robert M. Sapolsky –Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An updated guide to stress-related diseases, and coping

19 The Importance of Balance!

20 Mental Health Mental Health Disorders associated with Anxiety Proceed with caution! Mental health stigma in our society Brief overview of disorders

21 Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD Occur in response to extreme stresses or trauma Acute Stress Disorder: Symptoms last no more than 4 weeks PTSD: Onset can be delayed Symptoms: Extreme fear, reexperiencing the event, dissociation, detachment, sleep loss, irritability

22 Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Symptoms of Panic Attacks –Palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, sensations of shortness of breath or smothering, feeling of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or lightheadedness, derealization or depersonalization, fear of losing control or ‘going crazy,’ fear of dying, paresthesias, and chills or hot flashes Panic Disorder –Recurrent Panic attacks

23 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Excessive anxiety and worry Must last more than six months At least three of these symptoms: –Edginess or restlessness –Easily tired –Difficulty concentrating –Irritability –Muscle tension –Difficulty sleeping

24 Phobias Persistent fear of some specific event, object, or situation Can lead to symptoms of a panic attack May take great lengths to avoid object of fear Social Phobia

25 Depression Changes in weight or appetite, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, thoughts of death

26 Treatment approaches Psychotherapy Medication Alternative treatments