Stress

OBJECTIVES
 Describe path flow of stress
 Enlist types of stress
 Enable to differentiate between positive and negative stress
 Describe sign & symptoms of stress
 Discuss causes of stress
 Demonstrate factors influencing stress intolerance

DEFINITION:
Stress is a state of strain , whether it is physical or psychological.
(Atkison , Berne & Woodworth)
(OR)
A conscious or unconscious psychological feeling or physical situation which comes as a result of physical or mental 'positive or negative pressure' to overwhelm adaptive capacities.

PATH FLOW OF STRESS
Stress perceived by hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Adrenal Cortex
Stress effect on body
Release CRF (Corticotrophin releasing factor)
Release ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone)
Release cortico steroid Stress

TYPES OF STRESS:
Acute stress
B. Episodic acute stress
C. Chronic stress

Acute stress
It’s our body's immediate reaction to a new challenge, event, or demand, and it triggers your fight- or-flight responses.
Example: pressures of a near-miss automobile accident or arguments with family.
When acute stress happens frequently, it’s called episodic acute stress
.
Chronic stress: If acute stress isn't resolved and begins to increase or lasts for long periods of time, it becomes chronic stress.
This stress is constant and doesn’t go away.
.
Episodic acute stress
Chronic stress

BENEFITS OF STRESS
According to experts, stress is a burst of energy that basically advises you on what to do. In small doses, stress has many advantages. For instance, stress can help you meet daily challenges and motivates you to reach your goals. In fact, stress can help you accomplish tasks more efficiently. It can even boost memory.
Stress is also a vital warning system, producing the fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives some kind of stress, it starts flooding the body with chemicals like epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. This creates a variety of reactions such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Plus, the senses suddenly have a laser-like focus so you can avoid physically stressful situations — such as jumping away from a moving car — and be safe.
In addition, there are various health benefits with a little bit of stress. Researchers believe that some stress can help to fortify the immune system. For instance, stress can improve how your heart works and protect your body from infection. In one study, individuals who experienced moderate levels of stress before surgery were able to recover faster than individuals who had low or high levels.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POSITIVE & NEGATINE STRESS
Motivates & focuses energy
It is short term
As perceived as a coping
Feels exciting
Increases performance
Examples : Starting a new job or marriages
Cause anxiety
Can be short or long term
abilities Perceived as outside of coping ability
Feels unpleasant
Decreases performance
Examples: death of spouse or being neglected
Positive stress
Negative stress

SIGN & SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
 Frequent headaches
 Body aches
 Chest pain or palpitations
 Difficulty in breathing
 Increase smoking or alcohol use
 Insomnia
 Gritting , grinding teeth
 Weight gain or loss Frequent urination
 Diminished sexual desire
 Constipation ,diarrhea ,nausea or vomiting
 Cold or sweaty hands & feet
 Social withdrawal or isolation

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON BODY

CAUSES OF STRESS
 Major life changes
 Work or school
 Relationship difficulties
 Financial problems
 Being too busy
 Children & family
Common external causes of stress:
 Chronic worry
 Pessimism
 Negative self-talk
 Unrealistic expectations
 Rigid thinking
 All-or-nothing attitude

FACTORS INFLUENCING STRESS INTOLERANCE
 One’s knowledge and preparedness
 Optimism
 Hardiness
 Sensation Seeking
 Social support

One’s knowledge & preparedness:
 Stress can be heightened when one is not
aware of what to expect in the stressful
situation.
 it is easier to cope when you have knowledge
about stress

2. Optimistic
 People who tend to be optimistic in all spheres of life
tend to cope better with stress than those who are
pessimistic.
 concentrate on the positive, are more willing to get
social support

3. Hardiness
Hardiness is a personality syndrome marked by control, challenge, and commitment that is relatively linked to strong stress resistance.