STRESS
ا.م.د .رعد كريم فرج
What Is Stress?
Stress is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real
or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in
your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction
is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress
response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten,
and blood pressure rises. You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you protect
yourself.
Stress means different things to different people. What causes
stress in one person may be of little concern to another. Some
people are better able to handle stress than others. And, not all
stress is bad. In small doses, stress can help you accomplish
tasks and prevent you from getting hurt. For example, stress is
what gets you to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the car in
front of you. That's a good thing.
Our bodies are designed to handle small doses of stress. But,
we are not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress
without ill consequences.
What Are the Symptoms of Stress?
Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including
your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical
health. No part of the body is immune. But, because
people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can
vary. Symptoms can be vague and may be the same as
those caused by medical conditions. So it is important
to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience
any of the following symptoms of stress.
Health problems caused or exacerbated by
stress include:
Depression and anxiety
Pain of any kind
Sleep problems
Autoimmune diseases
Digestive problems
6. Skin conditions, such as eczema
7. Heart disease
8. Weight problems
9. Reproductive issues
10. Thinking and memory problems
Signs and symptoms of stress overload:
The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep
up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar — even
normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it
takes a heavy toll. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the
common warning signs and symptoms of stress overload
Cognitive symptoms
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMES
Emotional symptoms
• Depression or general unhappiness
• Anxiety and agitation
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness and isolation
• Other mental or emotional health problems
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMES l Behavioral symptoms
symptoms • Eating more or less
• Aches and pains
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Withdrawing from others
• Nausea, dizziness
• Procrastinating or neglecting
• Chest pain, rapid heart rate responsibilities
• Loss of sex drive • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to
• Frequent colds or flu relax
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
Stress management:
Is a wide spectrum of techniques and psychotherapies aimed at controlling a person's
level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of improving everyday
functioning.
Stress Management Tips:
People can learn to manage stress and lead happier, healthier lives. Here are some
tips to help you keep stress at bay.
Keep a positive attitude.
1- Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
2- Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of
becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
3- Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi for stress
management.
4- Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
5- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
6- Learn to manage your time more effectively.
7-Set limits appropriately and learn to say no to requests that would create
excessive stress in your life.
8- Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.
9- Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from
stressful events.
10- Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
11- Seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you enjoy.
12- Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional
trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques to learn healthy
ways of dealing with the stress in your life.
THANK YOU