STRESS

The term stress was coined by Hans Selye in 1936.

STRESS:- Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our wellbeing is a stress.
It is the response of the body to any kind of stimulus that may
disrupt the physiological , psychological and environmental well
being of an individual.

STRESSOR:- Any agent that causes stress is called as stressor.

TYPES OF STRESS

EUSTRESS
DISTRESS

What happens to the body during

stress
Blood pressure increases
Breathing becomes more rapid
Digestive system slows down
Heart rate increases
Immune system goes down
Muscles become tense
Not able to sleep

Causes of stress
Loss
Financial problems
Chronic illness

Contd
.
Unrealistic
expectations
Major life changes
pessimism

Sign and symptoms

Cognitive Symptoms
Poor memory
Poor concentration
Poor judgment
Seeing only the negative
Constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms
Depression
Anxiety and agitation
Moodiness, irritability, or anger
Other mental or emotional health problems

Physical Symptoms
Aches and pains
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea, dizziness
Chest pain
Loss of sex drive
Frequent colds or flu

Behavioral Symptoms
Eating more or less
Sleeping too much or too little
Withdrawing from others
Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME

1. Alarm stage :- During this stage, the physiological

responses of the fight or flight syndrome are initiated.

2. Stage of resistance:- The individual uses the
physiological responses of the first stage as a defense
in the attempt to adapt a stressor. If adaptation occurs,
the third stage is prevented or delayed. Physiological
symptoms may disappear.

Stage of exhaustion:- This stage occurs when there is a

prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body

has become adjusted. The adaptive energy is depleted,
and the individual can no longer draw from the
resources for adaptation described in first two stages.

Stress management

Awareness
Kind of support
Kind of attitude
Knowledge and preparation
Problem solving