1. STRESS MANAGEMENT
Dr. Johnson Alex PhD Associate Professor College of Medicine, DAU

2. What is Stress?
Stress is any situation that threaten or perceived to threaten one’s well-being, because of
Over workload (Busy doctor at hospital/ too many responsibilities)
Immediate physical safety
Reputation (others talk about negative)
Lack of peace due to family
Financial problem
Health related problem
Unexpected accident/trouble

3. Stress as an everyday event…
Routine stress at home –financial, relationship, loneliness
Study related- Exam, Difficult topics, Grade
At college – lack of support (friendship)
At road/street

4. Understanding Stress
Stressors - events or environmental stimulus that cause a person to feel tense or aroused
Stress - physical, mental, and/or emotional strain resulting from stressors
Eustress (Mild and comfortable form of Stress)
Distress (Severe and disturbing form of stress)
“ The aim of stress management, then, is not to eliminate stress entirely but to control it so an optimal level of arousal is present.”
Seyle, 1974

5. Factors that Impact Stress
Duration
Intensity
Frequency
Familiarity
Controllability
Personality

6. Symptoms of Stress Physical Signs Emotional Signs Cognitive
Behavioral Signs

7. Physical Symptoms of Stress
Muscle tension
Headache
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Gastrointestinal problems
High blood pressure

8. Emotional Symptoms of Stress
Irritability
Arguing
Anxiety
Depression
Lack of enjoyment
Mood swings
Suicidal thoughts
Homicidal thoughts

9. Cognitive Symptoms of Stress
Inattention
Distractibility
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Poor concentration

10. Behavioral Symptoms of Stress
Social isolation
Work problems
Conflicts with coworkers, friends, and loved ones
Unhealthy habits - overeating, alcohol misuse, nicotine use, caffeine misuse, workaholism
Aviator: conflicts with peers, disregarding rules and checklists

11. Dealing with Stressors
Appraisal
Event
Response
Resources

12. Tools for Stress Management
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) most effective and evidence based stress management intervention
Physical:
Nutrition
Exercise
Sleep
Biofeedback
Massage
Jacobson Progressive Muscular Relaxation (JPMR)

13. Tools for Stress Management
Cognitive (thoughts):
Self-talk
Meditation
Imagery
Refocusing Strategies
Systematic Relaxation

14. Tools for Stress Management
Behavioral:
Assertiveness
Time-management
Support Groups
Segmentation
The Breath

15. Application in the Workplace
Segmentation before and after work
Image the task at hand
10-minute brisk walk
5-minute relaxation
Releasing and refocusing breath

16. Thank you