1. Managing Stress
Stress - an event or series of events that lead to strain, often results in physical and psychological health problems
Environmental and psychological sources of stress may include frustrations, conflicts, pressures, and change
Learning to cope with stress is essential to maintain wellness
Stress has both positive (eustress) and negative (distress) effects
Either we control stress, or stress controls us

2. Effects Of Stress
When stress is not handled constructively, it often produces adverse physical and psychological effects
Under stress our bodies experience the “fight-or-flight” response
Chronic stress causes bodily wear and tear resulting in psychophysiological disorders
Negative emotional states of anxiety and depression are the result of prolonged stress

3. Stress and the Hardy Personality
Some people seem to be especially resilient and are better able to cope with stress
Distinguishing characteristics of hardy people are
A liking for challenge
A strong sense of commitment
An internal locus of control

4. Recognizing and Dealing with Burnout
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual exhaustion
Striving for unrealistically high goals can lead to burnout
The key is to recognize subtle signs of burnout
Changing the way in which you approach school or work can prevent burnout
Prevention is better than remediation
Don’t forget to take good care of yourself

5. Alcohol and Drug Addictions
Addictions are a self-defeating reaction to stress
Addicts often substitute using alcohol or drugs for meaningful connection with others
Many people allow their addictions to become very advanced before admitting they have a problem
An integral part of recovery for many addicts is turning their lives over to a Higher Power
Excellent resources are available today for those who are ready to address their addictions, including 12-step programs

6. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is an anxiety disorder resulting from a traumatic event
Symptoms often include: reexperiencing the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares, avoidance and numbing, hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, concentration problems, panic, disturbed interpersonal relationships, anger and irritability, depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt
Surviving combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, and sexual assault are just a few causes of PTSD

7. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Children are more vulnerable to PTSD than adults
Women are diagnosed with PTSD more often than men
Those who experienced multiple traumas may be more vulnerable to reexperiencing old PTSD symptoms when confronted with new trauma
People suffering from PTSD may perceive the world as unfair, cruel, unsafe, and unpredictable

8. Recovering from PTSD
Chances of developing PTSD are diminished if help is available within 24 to 72 hours after the precipitating incident
Counselors must help connect a survivor’s past pain and present reality since trauma may be reenacted in the person’s present relationships
For healing to occur, survivors need to tell their story and be heard and understood

9. Treatment Approaches for PTSD
A holistic approach that involves focusing on body, mind, and spirit with the goal of restoration of health and well-being
Individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and/or support groups
Crisis intervention programs:
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Critical Incident Stress Management

10. Sexual Exploitation
Incest, rape, and sexual harassment are three forms of sexual exploitation that lead to trauma
All three involve the misuse of power or betrayal of trust for the purpose of gaining control over the individual, for degrading, oppressing, coercing, or exploiting a person
Victims tend to be reluctant to disclose the abuse and often feel responsible and guilty

11. Sexual Exploitation
More women than men have experienced sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse
Male victims frequently experience barriers in seeking help for the aftermath of sexual trauma
Male and female victims often carry psychological scars from these experiences that affect the full range of their emotions, their ability to develop relationships, and many other aspects of their lives

12. Suggestions for Reducing Date Rape
Recognize that date rape is a betrayal of trust
Realize that using alcohol and drugs at parties can cloud your judgment
Listen carefully to each other and respect each other’s values and boundaries
Clarify your values and attitudes about sex before you are in situations where you have to make decisions about sexual behavior
Be prepared to act forcefully if assertive refusals don’t stop unwanted sexual advances

13. Facts About Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is repeated and unwanted sexually oriented behavior in the form of comments, gestures, or physical contact
Sexual harassment is abuse of the power differential between two people
It diminishes choice and is not flattering
If you are a recipient of harassment, realize you are not powerless and you have a right to break the pattern

14. Some Constructive Paths to Managing Stress
Time management
Challenging self-defeating thinking and negative
self-talk
Developing a sense of humor
Learning to relax
Mindfulness and meditation
Yoga
Therapeutic massage

15. Suggestions for Managing Stress
Think of ways to simplify your life
Learn and practice a variety of relaxation exercises
During the day – pause and remember to breathe
Make the time each day to do what you really enjoy doing
Keep your mind focused on what you are experiencing in the present
Make the time to be alone on a regular basis
Be kind to yourself --- and to others

16. Some Hints on Time Management
Time management can be a route to helping you set priorities and accomplish your goals. Here are some actions you can take:
Establish clear and attainable goals
Decide what you can accomplish in a given period of time
Keep a schedule book and organize your time
Before accepting a new project consider if you have a full plate
Be comfortable with what you do accomplish
Reward yourself appropriately