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33 views4 pages

Stree

Stree

Uploaded by

oamosun48
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is Stress?

Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by the response to pressure from the outside
world. Individuals react differently to stress.

What Are Some Common Myths Surrounding Stress?

Myth: Stress is the same for everyone.


Stress is different for everyone. What is stressful for one person may or may not be
stressful for another. Each person may respond to stress in an entirely different way.

Myth: Stress is always bad.


According to this view, zero stress makes us happy and healthy. This is wrong—stress
is a normal part of life. Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue is
how to manage it. Managed stress makes people productive and happy. Mismanaged
stress hurts and even kills.

Myth: Stress is everywhere, so nothing can be done about it.


Not so. Life can be planned so that stress does not become overwhelming.

Myth: The most popular techniques for reducing stress are the best ones.
No universally effective stress reduction techniques exist, because each individual
reacts differently.

Myth: No symptoms, stress.


Absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of stress. In fact, camouflaging
symptoms with medication may deprive a person of the signals needed for reducing the
strain on physiological and psychological systems.

Myth: Only major symptoms of stress require attention.


This myth assumes that minor symptoms, such as headaches or stomach acid, may be
safely ignored. Minor symptoms of stress are the early warnings that life is getting out
of hand and stress needs to be better managed.

Adapted from American Psychological Association, 2008


Common Stressors
• Financial issues—81 percent of Americans worry about this topic
• Work and job stability—67 percent of Americans worry about this
topic
• The Nation’s economy—80 percent of Americans worry about this
topic
• Health concerns (family and personal)—64 percent of Americans
worry about this topic
• Relationships—62 percent of Americans worry about this topic
• Personal safety—48 percent of Americans worry about this topic
• Loss—72 percent of Americans worry about this topic

Data from American Psychological Association, 2008

What Are the Warning Signs of Stress?

One of the important aids for combating and dealing with stress is to first recognize it. Stress
affects minds, bodies, and behaviors in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.
A body’s stress warning signs alert a person that something is not right, much like the glowing
“check engine” light on a car’s dashboard.

Warning Signs of Stress


Cognitive Signs Emotional Signs

• Memory problems • Moodiness


• Inability to concentrate • Irritability or short temper
• Poor judgment • Agitation, inability to relax
• Negativity • Feeling overwhelmed
• Anxious or racing • Sense of loneliness and isolation
thoughts • Depression or general
• Constant worrying unhappiness
Physical Signs Behavioral Signs

• Aches and pains • Eating more or less


• Headaches • Sleeping too much or too little
• Diarrhea or • Isolating oneself from others
constipation • Procrastinating or neglecting
• Nausea, dizziness responsibilities
• Chest pain, rapid • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs
heartbeat to relax
• Loss of sex drive • Nervous habits (e.g., nail biting,
• Frequent colds pacing)

Adapted from Mental Health America, 2007

Can Stress Be Prevented?

Stressful situations in life cannot be prevented. However, they can be prepared for in a way that
allows a positive response. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a stressful situation. It
is a proactive mechanism to manage stress.

How Can Stress Be Managed?

Managing stress can include simple ideas, such as recognizing signs of stress, learning breathing
techniques, and engaging in spiritual communities. Developing and maintaining healthy habits
are important to managing stress. These include: getting adequate rest; having a strong network
of social supports; good nutrition and exercise. Take time to engage in activities you enjoy.

Uncontrolled stress can lead to many problems. Simple headaches, tight muscles, problems with
sleeping, or a bad mood can be a prelude to much more severe symptoms. There are many
healthy ways to manage and cope with stress, but they all require change: either changing the
situation or changing reactions to the situation. If stress is affecting a person’s ability to work or
find pleasure in life, help should be sought from a doctor, mental health provider, or other
professional.

(This information was taken from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center’s Disaster Behavioral Health
Information Series at www.samhsa.gov/dtac/)

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