Effect of Stress

1. Effects of Stress
Mental/Emotional, Social, & Physical
Health

2. What is stress?
 The reaction of the body and mind to everyday
challenges and demands.
 Therefore, how ever much stress we
experience is based on our perception.
 What is perception?
 Perception is the act of becoming aware
through the senses.

3. Types of Stress
 EUSTRESS = Good
stress.
 More effective in
physical and
psychological states.
 Ex. New car, being
selected as class officer.
 DISTRESS = Bad
stress.
 Interferes with
physiological and
psychological
functioning.
 Ex. Negative or
unpleasant event.

4. Physical Effects
 Minor Illnesses
 Sleeplessness
 Upset stomach
 Headaches
 Muscle soreness
 Dehydration
 Skin Disorders
 Colds/flu
 Fatigue
 Major Illnesses
 High Blood Pressure
 Heart Disease
 Stroke
 Stomach Ulcers
 Chronic Headaches
 TMJ
 Acid Reflux
 Digestive problems

5. Mental/Emotional/Social Effects
 Concentration = difficulty focusing during
stressful periods of time. Negative self-talk.
 Mood swings = Rollercoaster of emotions.
May intensify for teens => HORMONES.
Strain on family/friends & other relationships.
 Substance abuse = increase vulnerability to
drug use.

6. Chronic Stress
 Long-Term Problems = beyond a person’s
control. Symptoms= insomnia, headaches,
upset stomach, or anxiety.
 REDUCE by:
 Physical activity
 Support of family/friends/social workers
 Hobby or activity that relaxes you.
 AVOID tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

7. Stress Management 101
 Identify Personal Stressors
 Life events (moving, illness, fighting, etc.)
 Physical stressors (pollution, noise, injury)
 Daily stressors (time pressure, responsibility,
deadlines)
 Avoid Stress with Refusal Skills (consider
values).
 Plan Ahead = set goals, plan steps, and be
flexible.

8. Stress 101 (cont.)
 Sleep = focus and concentration.
 Physical Activity = releases nervous energy
and relaxes.
 Nutritious Foods = healthy foods help absorb
vitamins/minerals, increases energy, helps
w/concentration, less fatigue.

9. The Body’s Response to Stress
 Two major body systems, nervous and
endocrine are active during the body’s
response to stressors.
 Are these responses voluntary or involuntary?
 Involuntary or automatic and will happen
regardless of the stressor.

10. 3 Stages of Stress Response
 A= Alarm
 R= Resistance
 F= Fatigue

11. Resistance
 Body adapts to the rush created by the
alarm and reacts to the stressor.
 Where does “fight or flight” take place?
 Answer =Resistance

12. “Fight and Flight”
 In case of “fight” ability to resist physical
challenge may be enhanced.
 In case of “flight” you may be able to run
faster and farther in order to escape.
 In which stage do incredible feats take place?
 RESISTANCE

13. Fatigue
 Also known as the third stage, a tired feeling
takes over that lowers your level of activity.
 Therefore, your ability to manage other
stressors is very low.
 Mind and body are exhausted.