Stress What is Stress Defined by Hans Selye

Stress

What is Stress? • Defined by Hans Selye – the body’s nonspecifc response to any demand put on it.

G. A. S. • “General Adaptation Syndrome” • These are the stages the body goes through when responding to stress • 3 stages – alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Stage 1 - Alarm • The hormone adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, causing many physical changes in the body. • This response to stress is also called the “fight or flight” response. • Some of the physiological responses include increased heart rate and respiration, sweating, digestion slows down or stops, muscles tense, and pupils dilate

Stage 2 Resistance • Energy reserves try to return the body’s internal activity to normal.

Stage 3 – Exhaustion • The energy is depleted. If the stress is removed, the body is able to return to normal. If the stress continues, the body keeps going back into the Alarm stage. The constant gearing up of the body to respond puts a lot of extra work on the vital organs. Over time, physical and/or emotional disease can develop.

Stress-Related Diseases • Gastrointestinal disorders • Skin disorders • Cancer • Cardiovascular disorders • Menstrual irregularities

Stressors • Stress can be a motivator and be healthy for the body. • Even though physical threats are a reality and a source of stress, mental/emotional stressors are more common. • This stress is created in a person’s own thoughts or perceptions of a situation. • When the stress is not managed, it will show as headaches, stomach problems, mood swings, and difficulty paying attention. More serious reactions are depression, mental illness, and suicide.

Stressors Before Modern Civilization • • • Need for food Need for water Need for shelter Hunting and gathering Surviving constant threats in life

Stress Management in Ancient Civilizations • • Worship Hieroglyphics Constellations Finding the meaning of life

• • • Stressors in the Modern World Unemployment Financial difficulties Traffic Social frustrations Deadlines homework, career, taxes, bills)

Stress Management Today • • Eat Exercise Hurt self Prayer and meditation Medications Smoking, drinking, drugs Talking to friends and family Television, reading, or listening to music