200 likes | 345 Vues
Stress is a complex response of the body to various demands and challenges, manifesting as both eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress). While it can motivate us, excessive stress may lead to serious health issues. This article explores the stages of stress, from alarm reactions to exhaustion, and highlights physical symptoms such as headaches, heartburn, and chronic illnesses. It also addresses emotional responses like anxiety and depression, as well as behavioral changes. Understanding stress is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy life.
E N D
What is Stress? • Stress is “a non-specific response of the body to any demand or challenge • Stress is anything that…. • Threatens us • Prods us • Scares us • Worries us • Thrills us
Stress is an inevitable aspect of life. • We are under stress every day. • Without it, • We wouldn’t move • Think • Get out of bed • Care
EUSTRESS • Stress can be good when it helps us perform better DISTRESS • Stress can be bad when it causes upset or makes us sick
EFFECTS OF STRESS Stage 1 • The initial alarm reaction • The fight or flight response Stage 2 • Intensification or recovery Stage 3 • Adaptation Stage 4 • Exhaustion
The Alarm Reaction Within seconds, sometimes even before the stressor is identified, the brain’s arousal system activated the sympathetic nervous system. • Adrenalin and other stress hormones are released • Pupils dilate • Pulse and respiration speed up • Blood pressure increased • Sweating increases • Muscles tense up • Hair may stand on end
Intensification or Recovery If threat is real, energy is used to actually run, hit or lift. If there is no threat, the body returns to a more relaxed state.
Adaptation If the source of stress doesn’t go away, the body changes are retained. The level of stress begins to be viewed as normal.
Physical Symptoms • Heartburn • Tense muscles • Nervouse sweat • Headaches • Stomach aches • Diarrhea • Skin problems • Heart palpatations • Frequent illness
Emotions • Anxiety • Irritablity • Crying • Preoccupied • Sleep disturbance
Behaviours • Overeating • Lack of appetite • Increased use of caffeine or smoking • Difficulty falling asleep • Stuttering • Increased use of tranquillizers
Exhaustion If stress continues unrelieved for a long period of time, serious health problems result
Physical Symptoms • High blood pressure • Heart attack • Ulcers • Colitis • Stokes • Exhaustion • Migraines
Emotions • Depression • Suicidal tendencies • Rage • Hysteria
Behaviours • Frequent serious accidents • Loss of sexual desire • Disordered eating