Managing Change and Stress: Symptoms, Triggers & Relief

1. FACS 56 handling change and stress

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. participation activity measure your stress pg. 242 stress tests: http://www.lessons4living.com/stress_test.htm 1-6 few hassles 7-12 pretty good control 13-17 danger zone—watch out! 18+ STRESSED OUT may need to seek help find another stress assessment tool and compare your scores—were they similar?

6. stress: symptoms & triggers • physical signs of stress vary: • headache • neck or back pain • shortness of breath • increased pulse rate • nausea • insomnia • fatigue

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. stress: symptoms & triggers anyone who experiences prolonged depression should seek advice of a health professional

12. what triggers stress? • two basic categories: • major life changes • daily irritations

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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