STRESS MANAGEMENT

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Part 1 – Stress in General

Part 2 - Stress at Work

Part 3 – Stress Management

PART 1

Stress in General

LEGAL OVERVIEWHEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 6)

Every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at

work

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 7)

Every employer shall ensure that there are in place effective methods for identifying existing hazards, and (if possible before they arise) new hazards to employees at work.

WHAT IS STRESS ?

Stress is the feeling that’s created when we react to particular events, its usually the bodies way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a situation with focus, strength, stamina and heightened alertness.The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream.

TYPES OF STRESSORS

There are many types of stressors (which are events that provoke stress) witch range from being in outright danger to getting somewhere on timeTypes of stressors are: Environmental: Death of a loved one, loneliness, and racism.-Educational: illiteracy, poor academic environment, and lack of skills to be employed.-Occupational: unemployment, redundancy, job changes-shifts and office space.-Housing: homelessness, unsafe neighbourhood, problems with landlords or neighbours.-Financial: poverty, problems with credit, bankruptcy.-Public care: lack of services, and lack transport.-Legal: victim of a crime, litigation, indictment, arrest, divorce and custody battles.-Other: natural disasters, war, and industrial downfalls.

NEGATIVE STRESS

Also known as distress Negative stress comes from an overload of stressors usually over-bearing the individual to the point of breaking. Negative stress usually wears out a persons body causing fatigue and over-tiredness .This can also lead to depression, anxiety, lower self esteem and other mental health issues.

POSITIVE STRESS

Also known as eustress. This type of stress is felt by people when they are confronted by a demanding situation, which they think they can handle. The stress response also known as the ‘fight or flight response’ this fills them with thrill and excitement response gives you the energy to throw yourself into something where you want to make some contribution or entering an exam enhancing a student's concentration and learning capability.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Aches and painsDiarrhoea or constipationNausea, dizzinessChest pain, rapid heartbeatLoss of sex driveFrequent coldsChest pains

Most common symptoms are;

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

Memory problemsInability to concentratePoor judgmentSeeing only the negativeAnxious or racing thoughtsConstant worrying

Most common symptoms are;

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

Eating more or lessSleeping too much or too littleIsolating yourself from othersProcrastinating or neglecting responsibilitiesUsing alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relaxNervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

MoodinessIrritability or short temperAgitation, inability to relaxFeeling overwhelmedSense of loneliness and isolationDepression or general unhappiness

STRESS RELATED ILLNESSES

Stress is not the same as ill-health, but has been related to such illnesses as;

-High blood pressure -Heart problems -Cancer -Ulcers

COSTS OF STRESS

Preventable job stress is draining A$730 million a year from the Australian economy, a report has found.An estimated 1.5 million workers have been diagnosed with depression from excessive job stress, costing businesses more than A$8000 per person every year, says the report. An annual A$730 million figure on job strain includes the cost of government-subsidised mental health services and medications for depression.

PART 2

Stress at Work

FACTORS INFLUENCING WORK STRESS

Workplace stress is the harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.

Pressure from investors, who can quickly withdraw their money from company stocks.The lack of trade and professional unions in the workplace.Inter-company rivalries caused by the efforts of companies to compete globallyThe willingness of companies to swiftly lay off workers to cope with changing business environments.Bullying in the workplace can also contribute to stress.

PART 3

Stress Management

CAUSES OF STRESS

External Stresses

Internal Stresses

EXTERNAL STRESSES

Sometimes people may suffer from stress that isn't caused by work-related issues but instead has an external cause.Common external causes of stress include:. relationship difficulties or a divorce. serious illness in the family. caring for dependants such as children or elderly relatives. bereavement. moving house. debt problems

INTERNAL STRESS

Stress can also be self-generated. Internal causes of stress include pessimistic attitude, low self-esteem, excessive or unexpressed anger, lack of assertiveness, unrealistic expectations from others and Self-criticism.

Breathing exercises Relax regularly Regular exercises Eat healthy Keep a positive

attitude Socialize with positive

people

STRESS CONTROL

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Change your circumstances

Change your hobbies

Change your thoughts

SUMMARY

Stress is a basic part of life. The way in which we deal with stress will make our lives pleasant and comfortable or leave us stressed and incapable of performing our obligations to the best of our abilities. Just have to deal with it.