1. STRESS MANAGEMENT
25 April 2017

2. RNP Pre-deployment training
25/04/2017
RNP Pre-deployment training

3. Aim
To create a general awareness about stress in Peacekeeping environments and how to manage it in order to achieve mission goals.
25 April 2017

4. Structure of presentation
Definition of Stress
Types of stress
General Symptoms of Stress
Common Causes of Stress in UN Missions
Management of Stress
Non productive stress management
Conclusion
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5. What is Stress?
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6. Such events are sudden and involve physical and emotional loss.
Stress is a physical and psychological process of reacting to and coping with events or situations that place extraordinary pressure upon human being.
Such events are sudden and involve physical and emotional loss.
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7. Is stress +Ve or –Ve?
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8. EUSTRESS
Eustress or positive stress occurs when your level of stress is high enough to motivate you to move into action to get things accomplished.
Enabling you to concentrate-to pay full attention
Mobilize maximum physical energy
Prepare for action in order to respond
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9. DISTRESS
Distress or negative stress occurs when your level of stress is either too high or too low and your body and/or mind begin to respond negatively to the stressors
Any stress that occurs too often (frequency), which lasts too long (duration), or is too severe (intensity).
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10. Stress Affects Differently
Negative Stress
Positive Stress
Attention
Health
Productivity
Energy
Family
Relationship
Action
Community
Colleagues
Success
Failure
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RNP Pre-deployment training

11. EXERCISE Assume you are in the mission area, one day
while patrolling; found yourself unexpectedly
witnessing dead bodies of the local population
from massive killings by the rebels:
What can you do to manage your physical and emotional loss in order to achieve the mission goals?
Whom will you talk to about your stress?
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12. TYPES OF STRESS
Basic
Cumulative
Traumatic
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13. BASIC STRESS
Every person experiences basic, minor stress in daily situations that may produce tension, frustration, irritation and anger.
Personal qualities that may contribute to one’s reaction to stress are:
Past experience
Age
Philosophical approach to life
Level of physical fitness
Level of education.
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14. CUMULATIVE STRESS
It is the result of damage that occurs too often, last too long, and is too severe. To fulfill the mandate and act professionally, a lot of effort is required, esp. where:
You are exposed to severe, unpleasant situations in which you are helpless, for example water shortage, electricity blackout, extreme temperature, and illnesses.
You are away from home and loved ones.
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15. TRAUMATIC STRESS
Resulted from a single, sudden assault that harms or threatens an individual either physically or psychologically.
Traumatic situation to a peacekeeper:
Being powerless spectator of violence, murder, large-scale massacres, etc.
Experiencing the bombing of buildings and mining of roads
Witnessing large scale destruction.
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16. General Symptoms of stress:
Physical signs
Behavioral signs
Emotional signs
Mental signs
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17. Physical signs Faster heart beat Headaches Rapid breathing Dry mouth
Sleeplessness
Sweating, etc
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18. Behavioral signs Increased alcohol intake Personality change
Loss of confidence
Discipline problems
Short temper rudeness
Being aggressive or violent
Loss of sexual interest or excessive sex drive
Over eating or not eating,
Making more mistakes,
Being more forgetful, etc.
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19. Emotional signs Anxiety(nervousness/confused) Sadness
Feeling of worthless, nervousness
Irritability, anger, emotional outbursts, being close to tears all the time.
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20. Mental signs Lack of concentration, mind going blank
Difficult in making decisions
Confusion
Sharpened alertness
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21. Common Causes of Stress in PKG Missions
Severe and unpleasant situations.
Food and drink
Home sickness.
Cultural shock.
Being powerless watcher of violence.
Direct or indirect intimidation and attacks.
General security threats; mines, hijacks & sniper fire.
Long working hours without rest.
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22. Cont... Death of a relative, friend, co-worker
Hearing first hand report of ill-treatment and torture
Dangerous working conditions
Witnessing casualties
Geographical difficulties (weather or terrain)
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23. EDUCATION TO THE OFFICERS
Stress is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent killer’, we are often unaware of its effects and often don’t even realize we’re under stress until it’s too late.
Stress is a part of life; but, too much stress is a partner of death or can cause premature aging.
Instead of avoiding stress, we need to learn how to deal with it in the best way possible
Training is important to recognize and manage it to avoid serious effects.
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24. TECHNIQUES FOR COPING WITH STRESS
Collect and provide for all items that would be needed in the mission area.
Do not assume that you will find whatever you want in the mission area.
UN DPKO gives peacekeepers a luggage allowance of up to 100kg. Take the opportunity to bring those things that will make you feel more relaxed or at home.
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25. REDUCING STRESS IN THE MISSION AREA
Encourage the use humour
Engage yourself in meaningful physical activities and recreation.
Consider a holiday at home or at a recreational area outside the mission area.
Encouraging in peer sharing and team building.
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26. REDUCING POST-MISSION STRESS
Understand and accept that post-trauma reactions are normal.
Be patient because adjusting physically and mentally can take a long time
Have more rest and sleep than usual…
Seeking help from others, including trained personnel or counselors
Rely on your faith.
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27. Non-productive stress management
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RNP Pre-deployment training

28. SUMMARY …positive stress! What is Stress? Symptoms of Stress
Common Causes of Stress in UN Missions
How can you manage your Stress?
…positive stress!
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29. CONCLUSION Stress is normal.
All peacekeepers should be familiar with the symptoms of stress and know how to cope with the effects to achieve the mission goals.
Team building can help you put in place stress management mechanisms to resolve personal and professional conflicts.
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30. QUESTIONS...??!!
25 April 2017