FACS 56
handling change and stress
handling change and stress
in general— •an event viewed as negative—more stressful than positively viewed event•unpredictable events more stressful than predictable events
examples?
stress: symptoms & triggers
what is stress?physical and psychological reaction to events, people, and our environment
all about RESPONSE
a certain amount of stress is normal and actually necessary for growth and development
stress: symptoms & triggers
TOO MUCH stress can be harmful
is a major cause of:•illness•low productivity•accidents•poor decisions
if we learn to recognize symptoms or signals we will be more prepared to reduce stress in our lives
participation activitymeasure your stress pg. 242
stress tests:http://www.lessons4living.com/stress_test.htm
1-6 few hassles7-12 pretty good control13-17 danger zone—watch out!18+ STRESSED OUT may need
to seek help
find another stress assessment tool and compare your scores—were they similar?
stress: symptoms & triggers
physical signs of stress vary:•headache•neck or back pain•shortness of breath•increased pulse rate•nausea•insomnia•fatigue
stress: symptoms & triggers
psychological symptoms often include:•inability to concentrate•irritability•hostility•display of anger•mood swings—feeling sad & overwhelmed
can lead to a loss of perspective & increase in negative thinking
stress: symptoms & triggers
related to stress is anxiety—feeling worried, anxious or nervous
normal part of life—symptoms usually disappear when stressful situation is resolved
What do you do to relieve anxiety?
stress: symptoms & triggers
What happens when you cannot alleviate stress or anxiety?
prolonged or severe stress may cause depression
a disorder characterized by:•sadness•difficulties with eating, sleeping and concentrating
stress: symptoms & triggers
unlike normal sadness or grief, depression lasts for a long time and interferes with your ability to go about your daily business
most serious depressions involve an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain
might be triggered by loss of a loved one, a very stressful event, chronic stress or illness
stress: symptoms & triggers
anyone who experiences prolonged depression should seek advice of a health professional
what triggers stress?
two basic categories:•major life changes•daily irritations
what triggers stress?
major life changes•marriage, parenthood, new job responsibilities, moving, taking a vacation…
even if you are happy & excited about a change it causes stress—requires thought, concentration, changed behavior and energy to readjust
what triggers stress?
daily irritations:•losing something, being late, getting cut off by an inconsiderate driver, getting a cold, having a check bounce
generally unpredictable—we lack control
may generate feelings of anger and hostility
participation activity:my personal stress symptoms pg. 247
…complete the following chart listing a few of your own symptoms that you notice when you are feeling stressed…take the list one step further and describe what you do to relieve each symptom