Stress: Stress “….stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in pleasant or unpleasant conditions.” Hans Selye, MD


Stress: Stress “…a sociopsychophysiological phenomenon. It is a composite of intellectual, behavioral, metabolic, immune, and other physiological responses to a stressor (or stressors) of endogenous or exogenous origins. The stressors may involve thoughts and feelings or may be a perceived threat or some other condition such as cold. The response generally serves a protective, adaptive function. Lindsay, Carrieri-Kohlman, Page


Stress: Stress “…a reaction in your mind and body to an event in the outside world that alarms or arouses you.” EMS Stress: An Emergency Responder’s Handbook for Living Well


Sources of Stress: Sources of Stress The Good Get married Have children Buy a new home Go on vacation New Job Promotion The Bad Break a leg Spouse loses job Kidlet in trouble Lose wallet In-laws coming The Ugly Nasty car accident Bankruptcy Divorce Loved one dying


Types of Stressors: Types of Stressors Emotional Environmental Injury Physical Illness Career Pressures


Mind Body Integration: Mind Body Integration Mind Body Mind Body Mind Body Mind Body Body Mind Chocolate Mind


Why Stress Management?: Why Stress Management? Stress Related Disorders & Chemical Dependency Cost U.S. Employers Billions $$$$$ lost productivity increased health care expenses increased absenteeism increased accidents


Slide10: 98.6 pH 7.4 Oxygen 99% 98.6 pH 7.4 Oxygen 99%


The Stress Response is the Body’s 911 System: The Stress Response is the Body’s 911 System


Autonomic Nervous System: Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic Increased HR, BP, RR Muscles tense Brain becomes more alert Liver increases blood glucose level Digestion inhibited Pupils dilate Parasympathetic Normalizes HR, BP, RR Muscles relax Energy storage Promotes growth Mediates calm Pupils constrict


CUMULATIVE STRESS: CUMULATIVE STRESS “Any idiot can face a crisis……. Its the day to day living that wears you out.” Anton Cherkhov


How Can the Stress Response Make Us Sick?: How Can the Stress Response Make Us Sick? Chronically elevated BP atherosclerosis myocardial ischemia Constantly using stored energy tire more easily Blocked insulin secretion higher risk of diabetes


Why Stress Management?: Why Stress Management? Researchers indicate 2/3 of medical visits are for stress related illnesses Stress response contributes to: coronary artery disease cancer respiratory disorders unintentional injuries cirrhosis suicide


Physiologic Signs of Stress: Physiologic Signs of Stress Immediate Changes Increased cardiac output Increased circulation Increased BP, RR Increased sweating Piloerection Pupil dilatation Decreased salivation Decreased gastric motility Hyperalertness Increased blood sugar Use of blood glucose Decreased stored energy Increased fatty acids Increased metabolism


Physiologic Sign of Stress: Physiologic Sign of Stress Long Term Effects Increased breakdown of protein Increased blood glucose Increased vascular constriction Decreased inflammatory response Decreased immune response Increased fluid volume Increased sodium & fluid retention in kidneys


Emotional Signs of Stress: Emotional Signs of Stress Denial Fear Depression Grief Anger Worry Uncertainty Hopelessness Helplessness Feeling lost Wishing to hide Anxiety Panic Inappropriate Emotions


Cognitive Signs & Symptoms: Cognitive Signs & Symptoms Difficulty Making Decisions Confusion Difficulty Naming Familiar Items Poor Concentration Blaming Others Memory Problems Replaying Events Over & Over


Behavioral Signs of Stress: Behavioral Signs of Stress Withdrawal Suspiciousness Excessive Humor or Silence Increased Smoking, Alcohol or Food Change in Activity Level Angry Outbursts Crying Spells


Negative Self-Talk: Negative Self-Talk The Worrier Voice - “What if…..?” Make a plan then get it out of your head. The Critic Voice - “How stupid…..” Recognize what is really true. The Victim Voice - “I’ll never be able to…..” There is always something to do to work toward a goal. The Perfectionist - “I should……” Assess your unrealistic expectations of yourself.


Slide23: Feeling “on edge” Vague sense of future doom Fear losing control Racing thoughts Detached from self Decreased ability to learn


Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Increased Muscle Tension Dizziness Rapid Heartbeat Shortness of Breath Queasy Stomach Dry Mouth Increased Perspiration Problems with Sleep


Coping Skills to Manage Anxiety: Coping Skills to Manage Anxiety Relaxation Techniques Exercise Examine Self Talk Develop Action Plan Avoid Stimulants caffeine, nicotine, sugar Counseling Drug Therapy


AngerPhysical Symptoms : Anger Physical Symptoms Increased HR, BP Increased Muscle Tension & Sweating Restlessness Emotional Symptoms Shattered Beliefs in a Just World Wronged Ready to Fight Defensive


Slide27: “When angry, count four, when very angry, swear.” -Mark Twain


Anger Management: Anger Management Anger Intensifying Yelling Sulking Pouting Hitting Other Violence Competitive Games Accusations Arguing Cooling Off Habits Abdominal Breathing Count to Ten Non-Competitive Exercise Distraction Humor Empathy for Other Person


Workaholic Behaviors: Workaholic Behaviors A person whose desire to work long and hard is intrinsic, and whose work habits always exceed the job description and expectation of others.


Personality Traits of a Workacholic: Personality Traits of a Workacholic Detail oriented Perfectionistic High personal standards Action oriented Easily bored Highly dedicated Task oriented


Workaholic Behaviors: Workaholic Behaviors Impaired No pleasure in leisure Distressed when not working Isolated lifestyle Family in distress Contented Family accepts work habits Autonomy & variety in workplace Good match between personality & job skills Good health


Suggested Behaviors: Suggested Behaviors Don’t ruminate over problems Respond to signs of fatigue Don’t self medicate ie. alcohol/drug abuse Take scheduled time off Stabilize domestic situations Develop/maintain friendships Engage in regular exercise Foster sense of humor


Depression: Depression Mild Moderate Severe Always requires professional help.


Garbage In = Garbage Out: Garbage In = Garbage Out Told you so... Heart Disease Hypertension Arthritis Headache Stroke Irritable Bowel Cancer Diabetes Cumulative Stress Ugly Health Habits


Healthy Habits: Healthy Habits Nutrition Attention to Symptoms Exercise Sleep Recreation Stretching Social Support Humor Balance is the Key


Slide36: Physiology of Circadian Rhythms Stages of Sleep REM Sleep Shift Work


Increase Quality of Sleep: Increase Quality of Sleep Do Exercise (early in day) Avoid Caffeine Avoid Alcohol Don’t Self Medicate for Sleep (some sedatives interfere with deep sleep) Relaxation Techniques Before Sleep Warm Bath Avoid Rich Foods Before Sleep


Slide38: “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs --- jolted by every pebble in the road.” -Henry Ward Beecher, American clergyman


Slide39: Causes Deep Abdominal Breathing Increases Circulation Releases Endorphins & Enkyins Relieves Tension Puts Life into Perspective


Slide40: “Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion . . .I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” -Kurt Vonnegut


Slide41: BANG HEAD HERE ANTI- STRESS THERAPY REPEAT UNTIL STRESS IS GONE OR YOU ARE UNCONSCIOUS


Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation Techniques Abdominal Breathing Active Progressive Muscle Relaxation Visualization Self-Hypnosis Meditation Music Stretching Exercise