1. Recognizing Signs of Stress & Strategies and Resources for Support
School of Medicine: New Staff Orientation
October 1, 2009
Presenter:
Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP,
Manager of Education and Outreach, FSAP

2. There are just THOSE days…

3. Stress 101: What is stress?
A physical, emotional, and psychological response to perceived threats, challenges & opportunities
A condition or feeling experienced when people perceive that their demands exceed their access to resources

4. Facts About Stress
Can be triggered by events involving intense, conflicting, or changing:
people, problems, positions, priorities, progress, phases, or philosophies; most importantly perceptions
Can be exacerbated by other factors such as untreated depression, medical problems, relationships, etc.)
About two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for stress-related problems

5. Stress Response The stress response is meant to be brief and adaptive
Options: Fight or Flight ?

7. Symptoms of Mismanaged Stress
Mental health
Anxiety/fear, confusion, poor concentration, helplessness, hopelessness, depression, low morale, fatigue, pessimism, irritability
Physical health
Stress-related illness (hypertension, ulcers, acid reflux/heartburn, headaches, skin rash, etc.)
Organizational health
Increased absenteeism, diminished productivity, team conflict, turnover
Relationships (personal and professional)
Conflict, tension, misunderstanding, anger, emotional or physical abuse

8. Work-Related Factors Contributing to Stress
Lack of control over work
Lack of control over economic impact
Unrealistic expectations
Too high a work load, impossible deadlines
Too low a workload, no or few challenges
Low task variety, under-utilization of skills
Low pay
Undervalued position

9. Work-Related Factors (Continued)
High uncertainty
Poorly defined roles and responsibilities
Lack of clear priorities and targets
Job insecurity
Poor working conditions (e.g. noise, overcrowding, excessive heat, inadequate breaks)
Low interpersonal support (e.g. inadequate or
insensitive management, hostility from colleagues)

10. Identifying Signs of Potential Risk
PRODUCTIVITY
Decrease in Work Productivity, Quality or Performance
Missed Deadlines
High Error/Accident/Mistake Rate
Reduced Job Efficiency
Making Poor Decisions
Complaints from Customers/Others
Decrease in Initiative
Irregular Work Patterns

11. Identifying Signs of Potential Risk
ATTENDANCE
Increased Absenteeism/Tardiness
Multiple Unauthorized Leaves
Excessive Sick Leave
Leaving Work Early
Repeated Absences That Follow a Specific Pattern
Unusual or Improbable Reasons or Excuses for Absences
Frequent Breaks

12. Identifying Signs of Potential Risk
BEHAVIOR
Difficulties in Concentration or Confusion
Noticeable Withdrawal or Isolation
Increased Agitation or Irritability
Poor Relationships with Coworkers
Communication Problems
Decline in Appearance or Hygiene
Increased Complaints of Physical Ailments
Extreme Mood Swings
Under the Influence
Atypical or Unusual Behaviors

13. What’s Stressing YOU?

14. It’s not the STRESSOR that creates the stress!!
Rather, it’s your mind’s perception of the stressor and of your perceived resources to meet the stressor’s demands that creates stress.
Ex.- Consider how stressed you’d be by having to buy a new car (stressor) if you had a million dollars to spare versus if you had no money (resources).

15. Therefore, ask yourself:
Am I accurately perceiving and appraising the stressor?
Am I accurately perceiving and appraising my capacity to meet the demands of the stressor?

16. Cognitive/Emotional Management of STRESS
Think about your thinking
“The mind takes on the qualities of the things it thinks about.”
Redirect your thought processes
Problem-solve instead of worry and fret
Take mental breaks (distractions, meditation)
“Out of my mind – Back in 5 minutes.”
Journal your thoughts, worries, concerns
“Get it out from behind your eyes so you can see it.”
Talk out your thoughts, worries, concerns
Check your attitude (“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, YOU’RE RIGHT!”)
Organize your time, priorities and responsibilities
Make the most of spontaneity and downtime

17. Physiological Management of STRESS
Nutrition
Reduce salt, saturated fats, caffeine, and carbonation.
Increase foods that contain vitamins B & C, calcium, and protein (e.g., dairy, fruits & vegs)
Exercise
Break a sweat at least 3 to 4 times per week
Sleep and Relaxation
Get at least 6 hours uninterrupted every 24 hrs
Practice deep breathing, stretching/relaxing daily
CAUTION: Avoid numbing or masking your stress with alcohol and other substances!!

18. How To Beat Burnout Know your own warning signs of stress overload
Focus on what you can control
Strive to leave your work at work
Make time for self and significant others
Know and accept your limitations
Exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep
Connect with those around you
Find ways to have fun each day

19. Utilize Resources FSAP - counseling and coaching
Workshops – stress/change management, work-life integration, time management
Community resources
Family, friends, colleagues, advisors
The Work-Life Resource Center (
Emory Meditation Stations

20. Utilize Financial Resources
Emory Express Emergency Loan Emory Alliance Credit Union
“Sparkfly” Discount Program
Fitness facility discounts
Basic Budgeting workshops
Online budgeting tools –(

21. Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness
Faculty Staff Assistance Program
Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness
(404) 727-WELL

22. Behavioral Mental Health Services
Personal Counseling for individuals/couples/families
External Referrals & Case Management
Psychiatric consultation
Career Counseling
On-site Critical Incident Stress Management
Consultations for leadership and non-leadership
24-hour on-call assistance

23. Behavioral Mental Health
Free and confidential services for employees and their immediate family household members
Confidential
means
CONFIDENTIAL!

24. Common Presenting Problems
Behavioral Mental Health
Common Presenting Problems
Depression and Anxiety
Workplace Issues
Family/Marital/Relational
Substance Abuse
Grief and Loss
Intimate Partner Violence
Financial Challenges

25. Referral Process Self Referrals Leadership Referrals Fitness for Duty
Manager Resources Link

26. Health Promotion & Wellness Services
Individualized Wellness Program
Fitness, Nutrition & Life Style
Coaching
StressBreaks / HealthBreaks
Walking Groups and Programs
Work Life Integration Programs
Freedom from Smoking Classes
Weight
Flu Shot Clinics
Lunch and Learn Programs
Health Fairs/Screenings
Weight Loss Challenge Pilot (W3)

27. Organizational Dynamics Services
A systematic process designed to promote organizational health
Consultations, Assessments and Interventions
Executive and Leadership Coaching
Customized Workshops
Mediation and Facilitated Discussions
Retreat Facilitation*
*Some services require a nominal fee

28. Education and Outreach Services
Workshops:
Managing Financial Stress
Managing Change & Self Care
Work-Life Integration
Life Cycle Series –
Workshops focused on different phases of life
Groups:
Grief & Loss Support Group
Aftercare Addiction Recovery Support Group
Anger Management Skills Group
Stress-Less Skills Group

29. Accessing Services Visit one of our four locations
Call WELL or for a confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Early morning and evening appointments available by request
24 hour on-call service: , press 2

30. Four Locations The Emory Wellness Center 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite P1100
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Orr Building*
Grady Hospital Campus
Steiner Building, Room G04*
Office of Disability Services
Administration Building*
or 7-WELL
*By appointment only

31. FSAP Resources FSAP Website: www.fsap.emory.edu
Workplace Resources
Leadership Guides
Two informational videos: FSAP Overview, and Faculty & Staff At Risk
FSAP
Telephone Consultations
All About Health

32. Faculty Staff Assistance Program
Call
The Wellness Center
WELL