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Recognizing Signs of Stress & Strategies and Resources for Support School of Medicine: New Staff Orientation October 1, 2009. Presenter: Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP, Manager of Education and Outreach, FSAP. There are just THOSE days…. Stress 101: What is stress?.
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Recognizing Signs of Stress & Strategies and Resources for Support School of Medicine: New Staff Orientation October 1, 2009 Presenter: Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP, Manager of Education and Outreach, FSAP
Stress 101:What is stress? • A physical, emotional, and psychological response to perceived threats, challenges & opportunities • A condition or feeling experienced when people perceive that their demands exceed their access to resources
Facts About Stress • Can be triggered by events involving intense, conflicting, or changing: • people, problems, positions, priorities, progress, phases, or philosophies; most importantly perceptions • Can be exacerbated by other factors such as untreated depression, medical problems, relationships, etc.) • About two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for stress-related problems
Stress Response • The stress response is meant to be brief and adaptive • Options: Fight or Flight ?
Symptoms of Mismanaged Stress • Mental health • Anxiety/fear, confusion, poor concentration, helplessness, hopelessness, depression, low morale, fatigue, pessimism, irritability • Physical health • Stress-related illness (hypertension, ulcers, acid reflux/heartburn, headaches, skin rash, etc.) • Organizational health • Increased absenteeism, diminished productivity, team conflict, turnover • Relationships (personal and professional) • Conflict, tension, misunderstanding, anger, emotional or physical abuse
Work-Related Factors Contributing to Stress • Lack of control over work • Lack of control over economic impact • Unrealistic expectations • Too high a work load, impossible deadlines • Too low a workload, no or few challenges • Low task variety, under-utilization of skills • Low pay • Undervalued position
Work-Related Factors (Continued) • High uncertainty • Poorly defined roles and responsibilities • Lack of clear priorities and targets • Job insecurity • Poor working conditions (e.g. noise, overcrowding, excessive heat, inadequate breaks) • Low interpersonal support (e.g. inadequate or • insensitive management, hostility from colleagues)
Identifying Signs of Potential Risk PRODUCTIVITY • Decrease in Work Productivity, Quality or Performance • Missed Deadlines • High Error/Accident/Mistake Rate • Reduced Job Efficiency • Making Poor Decisions • Complaints from Customers/Others • Decrease in Initiative • Irregular Work Patterns
Identifying Signs of Potential Risk ATTENDANCE • Increased Absenteeism/Tardiness • Multiple Unauthorized Leaves • Excessive Sick Leave • Leaving Work Early • Repeated Absences That Follow a Specific Pattern • Unusual or Improbable Reasons or Excuses for Absences • Frequent Breaks
Identifying Signs of Potential Risk BEHAVIOR • Difficulties in Concentration or Confusion • Noticeable Withdrawal or Isolation • Increased Agitation or Irritability • Poor Relationships with Coworkers • Communication Problems • Decline in Appearance or Hygiene • Increased Complaints of Physical Ailments • Extreme Mood Swings • Under the Influence • Atypical or Unusual Behaviors
It’s not the STRESSOR that creates the stress!! • Rather, it’s your mind’s perception of the stressor and of your perceived resources to meet the stressor’s demands that creates stress. Ex.- Consider how stressed you’d be by having to buy a new car (stressor) if you had a million dollars to spare versus if you had no money (resources).
Therefore, ask yourself: • Am I accurately perceiving and appraising the stressor? • Am I accurately perceiving and appraising my capacity to meet the demands of the stressor?
Cognitive/Emotional Management of STRESS • Think about your thinking • “The mind takes on the qualities of the things it thinks about.” • Redirect your thought processes • Problem-solve instead of worry and fret • Take mental breaks (distractions, meditation) • “Out of my mind – Back in 5 minutes.” • Journal your thoughts, worries, concerns • “Get it out from behind your eyes so you can see it.” • Talk out your thoughts, worries, concerns • Check your attitude (“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, YOU’RE RIGHT!”) • Organize your time, priorities and responsibilities • Make the most of spontaneity and downtime
Physiological Management of STRESS • Nutrition • Reduce salt, saturated fats, caffeine, and carbonation. • Increase foods that contain vitamins B & C, calcium, and protein (e.g., dairy, fruits & vegs) • Exercise • Break a sweat at least 3 to 4 times per week • Sleep and Relaxation • Get at least 6 hours uninterrupted every 24 hrs • Practice deep breathing, stretching/relaxing daily • CAUTION:Avoid numbing or masking your stress with alcohol and other substances!!
How To Beat Burnout • Know your own warning signs of stress overload • Focus on what you can control • Strive to leave your work at work • Make time for self and significant others • Know and accept your limitations • Exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep • Connect with those around you • Find ways to have fun each day
Utilize Resources • FSAP - counseling and coaching • Workshops – stress/change management, work-life integration, time management • Community resources • Family, friends, colleagues, advisors • The Work-Life Resource Center (www.worklife.emory.edu) • Emory Meditation Stations
Utilize Financial Resources • Emory Express Emergency Loan- Emory Alliance Credit Union • “Sparkfly” Discount Program • Fitness facility discounts • Basic Budgeting workshops • Online budgeting tools –(www.mint.com, www.cccsatlanta.org)
Faculty Staff Assistance Program Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness www.fsap.emory.edu (404) 727-WELL
Behavioral Mental Health Services • Personal Counseling for individuals/couples/families • External Referrals & Case Management • Psychiatric consultation • Career Counseling • On-site Critical Incident Stress Management • Consultations for leadership and non-leadership • 24-hour on-call assistance
Behavioral Mental Health Free and confidential services for employees and their immediate family household members Confidential means CONFIDENTIAL!
Common Presenting Problems Behavioral Mental Health • Depression and Anxiety • Workplace Issues • Family/Marital/Relational • Substance Abuse • Grief and Loss • Intimate Partner Violence • FinancialChallenges
Referral Process • Self Referrals • Leadership Referrals • Fitness for Duty Manager Resources Link • www.emory.edu/fsap/workplace
Health Promotion & WellnessServices • Individualized Wellness Program • Fitness, Nutrition & Life Style • Coaching • StressBreaks / HealthBreaks • Walking Groups and Programs • Work Life Integration Programs • Freedom from Smoking Classes • Weight Watchers @Emory • Flu Shot Clinics • Lunch and Learn Programs • Health Fairs/Screenings • Weight Loss Challenge Pilot (W3)
Organizational Dynamics Services A systematic process designed to promote organizational health • Consultations, Assessments and Interventions • Executive and Leadership Coaching • Customized Workshops • Mediation and Facilitated Discussions • Retreat Facilitation* *Some services require a nominal fee
Education and Outreach Services Workshops: Managing Financial Stress Managing Change & Self Care Work-Life Integration Life Cycle Series – Workshops focused on different phases of life Groups: Grief & Loss Support Group Aftercare Addiction Recovery Support Group Anger Management Skills Group Stress-Less Skills Group
Accessing Services • Visit one of our four locations • Call 404-727-WELL or 404-727-4328 for a confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment • Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm • Early morning and evening appointments available by request • 24 hour on-call service: 404-727-4328, press 2
Four Locations • The Emory Wellness Center • 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite P1100 • Emory University Hospital Midtown • Orr Building* • Grady Hospital Campus • Steiner Building, Room G04* • Office of Disability Services • Administration Building* • 404.727.4328 or 7-WELL • *By appointment only
FSAP Resources • FSAP Website: www.fsap.emory.edu • Workplace Resources • Leadership Guides • Two informational videos: FSAP Overview, and Faculty & Staff At Risk • FSAP Email: efsap@emory.edu • Telephone Consultations • All About Health
Faculty Staff Assistance Program Call The Wellness Center 404-727-WELL www.fsap.emory.edu