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