1. Live Webinar: Stress Management
With Florentine Loughney, Managing Director of F.L. Safety Training

2. Objective
To raise awareness of the physical and mental impact that stress can have on our lives.

3. Definition of Stress
“Stress is a particular relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well being” (Lazarus)

4. The Negative Stress Cycle
Automatic
Thoughts
Negative Physical Symptoms
and/or
Maladaptive Behaviour
Negative Moods
& Emotions
(Psychological Symptoms)

5. Everyday Model of Stress
Unpleasant situation;
Uncomfortable state of mind;
Unpleasant mixture of physical and psychological sensations.

6. Stressors What is a stressor?
It can be any element or situation that makes demands on a person, which results in a conscious adaptation or adjustment.
Not all stressors have negative consequences.
External Stressors
heat, cold, noise, job demands, conflict, etc.
Internal Stressors
sorrow, anger, anxiety, etc.

7. Stressor Outcomes Stress Outcomes Distress Eustress (Stress)
(Good Stress)
Distress
(Stress)

8. Fight or Flight Threatening event Was critical to Primitive Man
Prepares body for physical reaction to the threat
Fight or Flee
Was critical to Primitive Man
Our challenges are different to Primitive Man

9. Physical Effects of Stress
The brain stimulates the release of Adrenaline & Noradrenaline into the bloodstream…the impact is like a fire alarm going off….. and the body is aroused negatively.

10. Physical Effects of Stress on the Body
Heart rate goes up
Blood pressure rises
Breathing rate increases
Oxygen consumption rises
Muscles become tense
Changing brain wave patterns
Our thoughts intensify
Health sustaining activities are suspended

11. Negative Thinking Moods and emotions are created by our thoughts.
When we are depressed and anxious we have negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts may be:
Distorted
Irrational
Exaggerated

12. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Therapy which challenges the thoughts of the individual and teaches the person to think in a more rational and realistic way.
Changing our mind map!
Traffic Jam
Recommended reading: “Mind Over Mood”

13. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs11:

14. Palliative Coping (Good & Bad)
Exercise
Meditation
Yoga
Escapist drinking
Recreational drugs

15. Life Events Death of a spouse Divorce Break up of a relationship
Death of a close friend
Moving house
Loss of work
Change in social activities
Vacation
Christmas

16. Case Histories
Story of young man that took his own life and the “copy cat “ event that followed

17. Early Intervention Recognise the warning signs Ask the questions
Remember – it’s OK not to feel OK and it’s certainly OK to say it!

18. Recognising Signs of Depression
Lack of interest in life events
Change of behaviour
Social isolation
Poor performance at work
Lack of interest in physical appearance
Poor sleeping habits
Over indulgence in alcohol drugs or food
Weight loss or weight gain
Irritability

19. Causes of Depression Anxiety Social media Financial Envy
Poor self image
Under achievement
Work overload
Work underload
Poor work / life balance
Life event changes

20. What’s the Next Step? See your GP / doctor Medication Psychotherapy
Counselling
Courses in mindfulness and / or meditation (e.g. Oscailt)

21. Turn the Tide of Suicide
Ireland has the 4th highest rate of suicide in Europe; those at greatest risk include:
25-34 year olds
45-54 year olds
3-times more likely in men than women

22. Tips for Positive Mental Health
Mindfulness
Meditation
Exercise / physical fitness
Maintain a healthy weight
Good diet
Have a good sleep pattern
Talk to your friends and family
Journal (e.g. write 5 things you are grateful for before you go to sleep and when you wake up).

23. Help Out There The Samaritans Aware Grow Console Pieta House
Family friends and work colleagues

24. Tools Mindfulness Self compassion Meditation Taking time for yourself
Doing nothing!!!

25. Thank You – Any Questions?
Contact details for FL Safety Training Ltd.
Name: Florentine Loughney
Phone:
Webpage: