MODULE 43 & 44: STRESS AND HEALTH; STRESS AND ILLNESS

Transcription

1 MODULE 43 & 44: STRESS AND HEALTH; STRESS AND ILLNESS

2 WHAT IS STRESS? the process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors. depends on how environmental events are appraised tough math test->threat: YIKES! ->stressed tough math test->challenge: apply all I know->aroused and focused. three major types of stressors: catastrophic events, major life changes, and minor hassles stress is produced when people experience frustration, conflict and pressure What are your stressors???

3 TYPES OF STRESS Positive Stress (EUSTRESS) Results in: heightened concentration increased performance energized motion Negative Stress (DISTRESS) Results in: loss of motivation reduces effectiveness physical, mental, and behavioral problems

4 Stress Responses Behavioural Sleep disturbance Use of alcohol/drugs Absenteeism Aggression Emotional Depression/anxiety Irritability Crying Suicide Loss of humour STRESS Cognitive Lack of concentration Negative thoughts Worrying Poor Memory Physiological Higher blood pressure Rapid shallow breathing Increased heart rate Dilation of pupils Muscle tension Dry mouth Biochemical Increased metabolic rate Altered hormone levels (adrenaline, cortisol, ACTH) Altered endorphin levels

5 THE SCIENCE OF STRESS STRESS AND MEMORY CAN STRESS KILL YOU

6 SOCIAL MOTIVES IN CONFLICT Approach-approach conflict: a conflict in which one must choose between two equally attractive options. movies or the beach? Approach-avoidance conflict: a conflict in which there are both appealing and negative aspects to the decision to be made. should i violate curfew? Avoidance-avoidance conflict: a conflict in which one must choose between two equally unattractive options. homework or chores? Multiple approach-avoidance conflict: a conflict in which one must choose between options that have both many attractive and many negative aspects. where should i go to college?

7 STRESS RESPONSE SYSTEM General adaptation syndrome (Hans Selye): A pattern of general physical responses that takes essentially the same form in responding to any serious chronic stressor. Alarm reaction: sympathetic nervous system activates, blood goes to skeletal muscles, heart rate increases Resistance stage: Occurs when stress continues. Blood pressure, heart rate all remain high. Hormones are released to maintain this stage of readiness Exhaustion: If stress is prolonged, organisms reach exhaustion stage. Parasympathetic nervous system returns us to normal. More vulnerable to disease during this stage.

8 Alarm reaction: the body mobilizes it s resources to cope with a stressor. Resistance: the body seems to adapt to the presence of the stressor. Exhaustion: the body depletes it s natural resources.

9 EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF EXHAUSTION Headaches GI disturbances Skin rashes and hives Dizziness Fatigue Hypertension Aggravation of: arthritis, colitis, asthma, ulcers, diabetes

10 HOW STRESS AFFECTS HEALTH A. Cancer Not clearly associated with onset, but is associated with acceleration of the disease. rodent experiments B. Coronary Heart Disease clogging of the vessels that nourish the heart muscle. Increased risk in high stress jobs (Pickering et al, 1996) *lymphocytes help search out and destroy cancer cells and cancer-damaged cells.

11 STRESS AND MENTAL ILLNESS Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder numbness to the world, estrangement from others, lack of interest in activities relive their trauma repeatedly in memories and dreams sleep disturbance, decreased concentration, over-alertness may last for years correlates=substance abuse, violence, interpersonal problems

12 PERSONALITY AND STRESS (FRIEDMAN & ROSENMAN, 1959) TYPE A competitive, achievementoriented, sense of time urgency, difficulty relaxing, impatient, angry, hostile, outwardly confident but full of self-doubt more at risk for heart disease, marital stress, and work related problems TYPE B relaxed, easy-going, unprepared

13 EXAMPLES OF TYPE A BEHAVIORS: thinking of, or doing, two things at once hurrying the speech of others if you want something done you have to do it yourself frequent leg jiggling or rapid finger tapping frequent use of obscenities playing every game to win, even with children impatience when you watch someone else do something you think you can do better or faster rapid blinking *SNS is hyper-responsive to stressful situations

14 EXAMPLE OF TYPE B BEHAVIORS

15 MANAGING STRESS (HELPFUL TIPS!) DRAW it out! another way of letting go and releasing your feelings draw a picture or image, which may help to express what is going on for you. EXERCISE! TALK to someone! bottling your thoughts can make reaction worse talk to someone about what you are feeling JOURNAL! it helps to write your thoughts down, helps with processing and releasing.

16 MANAGING STRESS (HELPFUL TIPS!) BREATHING! take a few deep breaths when tired- try with eyes closed. MEDITATION! lie in a relaxed position empty your mind of all thoughts- practice required MUSIC! listen to music energizes the brain helps in brain cell development SLEEP! minimum of 8 hrs per day power naps

17 AND ALWAYS REMEMBER. Positive Mental Attitudes be open to learning be open to change be patient have a sense of humor- our most complex emotion