Stress A reaction of the mind and body to the demands of everyday life. The body's response to stress is generally healthy and positive. It functions to help an individual respond and get through unusual circumstances.

Eustress (eu - means good) Positive stress When the stress has a potential good outcome or result Sports Studying for a test Dating

Distress Negative Stress When the outcome is not good or has a bad effect on the person Forgetfulness Headaches Restlessness Reckless behavior

Stressors or things that cause stress List some of the stress in Your life Your Parents life Your Teachers life

How stress effects your body Dr. Hans Selye developed the “The General Adaptation Theory” Three stages of stress 1.Alarm Stage 2.Resistance Stage 3.Exhaustion Stage

The Alarm Stage Also called the Fight or Flight Stage Adrenalin is released by the adrenal glands as the body reacts to stressful situations This is a involuntary response by the parasympathetic nervous system To either stand up and face your stress or run from it

Involuntary Physical Responses Increased heart rate Increased blood flow to muscles Digestion slows or stops Blushing Sweating Pupils widen Liver releases glucose (for energy)

2nd Stage Resistance  Adaptive efforts by the body to cope with or resolve stressor.  Adaptive efforts by the body to cope with or resolve stressor.  Return to homeostasis or normal body functions (ie breathing, heart rate, digestion) return to normal

3rd Stage - Exhaustion or Fatigue If stress is prolonged or persists - reserves of energy are used. Body continues in Alarm stage mode. Fatigue results. Decreased ability to concentrate and stay on task. Greater susceptibility to minor illnesses.

Advanced Exhaustion Stage Energy reserves are depleted due to prolonged stress Body systems begin to malfunction and there is a much greater susceptibility to serious illnesses Examples of potential long term stress Divorce Illness

The Immune System begins to weaken Increased use of self- medication and maladaptive self- comforting methods (mal - means bad) Increased irritability, poor judgment and personality changes. Physical and emotional problems.

Mind-Body Connection Can the ‘mind’ cause the body to react in a positive or negative way? (Illness) Most everyone agrees that there is a definite connection Psychosomatic illness : When the mind causes the body to become ill. Psycho -means mind Somatic - means body

Psychoneuroimmunology Psych/o - means mind Neur/o - means nervous system or brain Immun/o - means immune system ology - means the study of

Physical Problems from prolonged stress Headaches Stomach ulcers Heart Disease

Emotional Issues from prolonged stress Anxiety

Stress Managment  Understand the cause  Defense Mechanisms  Deep Breathing techniques  Self-guided Imagery  Exercise  Meditation

Breathing Exercises  Progressive relaxation - muscle tension and relax each part of your body  888 rule - breath in from diaphragm and count to 8 as you inhale, hold breath for 8 count and exhale as you count to 8  Belly Breathing: This is how babies breathe. Lay on your back,put hands on stomach, make sure your stomach rises with chest

Coping Strategies / Defense Mechanisms Unconscious distortions of reality used to protect the ‘ego’ Unconscious ways to deal with stress or anxiety

Examples of Coping Strategies Repression Projection Regression Reaction Formation Denial Day Dreaming Rationalization Identification

Definitions of Defense Mechanisms Denial - Not accepting reality Identification - Taking on someone traits or personality Projection - Put the blame on someone else Reaction Formation - Acting in an opposite way Regression - Acting like a child or younger Day Dreaming - Fantasizing or visual imagery Rationalization - Making an excuse Repression - Blocking thoughts or memories into the unconscious realm

Rationalization

Identification

Denial