1. Stress - Recognising the Signs in Yourself & Others

2. Stress - Recognising the Signs in Yourself & Others
Kate Farrow
Client Leadership Development Manager
everywoman

3. First Question Can you hear me? If not
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4. Introduction
Sally Kettle

5. What is Stress?
It’s our body’s response to difficult or demanding circumstances.
It’s completely normal.
Good stress helps us to perform and survive.
Bad stress makes us ill.

6. The Science Adrenaline Cortisol Hypothalamus
Raises heart rate, increases your blood pressure & gives you extra energy
Other functions are suppressed.
e.g. digestion
Cortisol
Releases glucose for temporary energy to help you fight or run away

7. Types of Stress There are 4 recognised types of stress: Eustress
Distress
Hyperstress
Hypostress

8. Eustress Short-term stress Positive Extra energy or inspiration
Motivation
Focus and energy needed in order to perform

9. Distress Negative stress Anxiety, severe trauma or mental suffering
Reaction to an upsetting event
Over time you can become clinically depressed
Two types of distress: acute stress & chronic stress

10. Acute Stress Chronic Stress Short-term
Response to directly perceived threat, either physical or psychological
The threat can be real or imagined
Chronic Stress
Long-term stress that occurs frequently
Serious health problems e.g. depression, diabetes, heart disease or
weight-gain or weight-loss
You can get used to it and may even not realise that they are under this type of stress

11. Hypostress Forced to perform above your normal capacity
Heavy workloads & tight deadlines
Emotions run high & the smallest event can trigger a highly emotional outbreak 

12. Hypostress Opposite of hyperstress
Happens when a person is constantly bored
Unchallenging job
Frequently restless and uninspired 

13. Signs of Stress Emotional Agitated, frustrated & moody
Feeling overwhelmed
Difficulty relaxing & quieting your mind
Low self-esteem, lonely, worthless or depressed
Avoiding others

14. Physical Low energy Headaches
Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation & nausea
Aches, pains & tense muscles
Chest pain & rapid heartbeat
Insomnia
Frequent colds & infections
Loss of sexual desire & or ability
Nervousness & shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands & feet
Dry mouth & difficulty swallowing
Clenched jaw & grinding teeth

15. Cognitive Constant worrying Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness & disorganisation
Inability to focus
Poor judgment
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

16. Behavioural Changes in appetite - either not eating or eating too much
Procrastinating & avoiding responsibilities
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Nervous behaviors - such as nail biting, fidgeting & pacing

17. Poll 1. Am I stressed?
Rarely. I feel life’s pressures but overcome them easily.
Sometimes. I recognise situations make me feel stressed.
C. Often. I always feel stressed. I’m often anxious or worried.

18. Things to remember: Personal & individual response
Stress is not a simple condition
There is no single cause
A whole variety of factors, from our genes to our childhood experiences, affect how we respond to stress

19. What Can I Do About It? What is normal? What is normal for you?
What is normal for your working environment?

20. Prevention
Taking Action
Assessment

21. Poll 2. Recognising Behaviours
Which of the following unhealthy behaviours do you employ when stressed?
Consuming too much caffeine
Smoking
Drinking to excess
Compulsive spending
Emotional eating
Others – please write in and let us know.

22. Prevention & Assessment
1. Look at your stress triggers … write them down.
2. Five Ways to Wellbeing
Connect
Be Active
Learn
Take Notice Give

23. 3. Manage your time
Try not to do too many things at once!
4. Act positively
Reflect on what you’ve achieved
5. Try to accept the things you cannot change

24. Chronic Stress Acknowledge You’re Stressed Invest in Your Wellbeing
Change Your Environment
Talk to Your GP
Consider Counseling

25. Poll 3. Stress-Busting Activities
If you had to choose 1 of the following ‘stress busting’ activities,
which would it be?
1. Organise some ‘me’ time
2. Go talk to a friend, colleague or family member
3. Get active and make time for exercise
4. Write down a ‘mini win’ every day
Others – please write in and let us know.

26. Recognising Stress in Others
Are you the stressor?
Can you make changes to support others & reduce their stress?
Will asking help?

27. Open Questions
Can you do anything?
Should you do anything?

28. Work through the Workbook
Work through the the workbook by access the workbooks section in your dashboard, or download the workbook by clicking on the ‘Download PDF versions’. If you have any questions you can submit them in the ‘Ask a Question’ box at the bottom of the everywoman.com screen.