STRESS
Definition of Stress –
It is the state or condition of strain and especially of intense strain.
It is the state of severe psychological and physiological tension
It is the body’s reaction to a demand
It is preparation for fight or flight
It is a contributor to development of disease
It is being stretched beyond our limits i.e. in others over extending yourself without adequate
time for recovery and believing that you can do more than physical you can take
It is not necessarily bad because at times it helps a person reach desired goals.
Stress – is not
Anxiety (Two different feelings/ situations)
Fear.
Both psychological and physiological factors affect the way in which we relate stress. In addition
our attitude towards the stressful events and how we judge the situation is important. Stress does
not sneak up on its victim.
It passes through 3 stages from the time it appears until it reaches an acute level.
Three Stages of Stress are as follows:-
1) Alarm 2) Resistance stage 3) Exhaustion stage
The Alarm Stage – The stage consist of a warning that or stress agent is present. Once the
person is aware of a potential stressful situation he/she can take measures to face the problem
and solve it. Examples of stressful situations include: too much work, Difficulty in completing
work or assignment. If the stressful situation becomes over whelming and the individual realizez
that she/he has no more strength, this person can be classified as being in alarm stage. Alarm
stage can be produced by one source of stress or multiple source of stress E.g. of one source of
stress: work pilling up, assignment Multiple source: Work pilling and lack of funds for food,
Querrelling with your best friend and may be the husband/wife has run away Unplanned
University closure all happening at the same time.
The Resistanc Stage: When stress goes beyond the initial alarm stage the person enters into
resistance stage e.g. A student tries to complete all assignment in one day – 24 hours is not
enough, so frustrations set in, fear of failure make the situation worse, it becomes a “vicious
cycle”
Exhaustion Stage – The person is exhausted. This is the final stage of stress and it is
characterised by: Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression (FAD)
The Fatigue experienced here is not relieved by a good night sleep – go to sleepyou are feeling
tired. This stage is accompanied by : Nervousness, irritability, Tension, Anger (NITA)
HOW DO PEOPLE EVALUATE STRESS AGENTS –
Research has shown that people evaluate stress agents in three distinct ways – As an irrepairable
damage which has already occured, As a danger, As a challenge
Example of stress agent: Retrenchment as a stress agent – Retrenchment – workers are cut off
organization (down size workers) e.g. instead of 10 depts. They have 3 depts/programmes:
Retrenchment – irrepairable damage i.e. self pity – can lead to suide. As a danger: view the
future with anxiety, Retrenchment as a challenge – I can not change the past but the future will
depend on what I do now therefore this person will search for work or other career options with
energy or hope as a result of having a goal.
Physiological Responses to Stress (What does the body do when stressed)
- Large production of various hormones, Rapid circulation of blood, Quicker breathing, All
senses become more sensetive, Inhibition of body function e.g. digestive and urinary,
person may suffer diarrhoe e.g. If a cat saw a dog it would be stressed and also inhibit the
above resposes. The main difference however between animals and humans is that the
human being’s vulnerability to non existent stress factors E.g. in the case of the cat once
the dog disappears then the stress disappears. In humans we have the capacity to worry
about the past about tomorrow, what shall we eat etc we are even worrying of 2022
elections, worrying of menengai will erupt etc
Question: What happens to an individual when there is too much stress?
EFFECTS OF STRESS There is difficulty in concentrating e.g. during lectures
Short and long term memory decreases – memory lapse (lapses), Problems which need an
immediate response are solved in a hap hazard way, More errors of judgement (make mistakes)
e.g. students may be bright but in exam gives hap hazard answers, Thinking is disorganized,
Difficulties in relaxing emmotionally and physically.
In addition, to normal physical illiness new illnesses are suspected, Development of impatiencie,
Intolerance, Authoritarianism and lack of consideration to others,
Ethical and moral principles which govern life relax and there is less control,
There is increased discrouagement and a decreased desire to live –lose of hope,
Thoughts of worthlessness (low self esteem) and inferiority, Some people stutter when stressed
(speech, do not talk fluenty, Lack of ethusiasm (not excited) Absentism e.g. in job, Increased in
consumption of alcohol, coffee or other drugs, Low energy levels most of the time (weak), Lack
of sleep, The tendance to blame others and put the responsibility of their own mistake on others,
Appearance of tics (twitching of muscles) e.g. eye lids, Thoughts of suicide (re starts thinking)
about ending their life, Depression is the ultimate (worst form of all almost imposible to come
out of it.
STRESS AND DISEASE
Stress lowers immunity e.g. the death of a loved one lowers the natural immunity of the body
Psychosomatic illness are those which originate from psychological/stress related causes include
the following:
1) Dermatological e.g. Hair loss, Acne (pimples), Eczema
2) Muscles/muscular – Backache ache, Muscle cramp
3) Respiratory – Asthma, Bronchitis
4) Genital and Urinary Tract – Premenestrial syndromes, etc
5) Endocrinal – Some form of obesity happens because of stress
6) Nervous – Such as anxiety, headaches
HOW TO AVOID STRESS AND DEPRESSION
A happy environment e.g. surround yourself with happy people but try not to be –ve or they will
reject you, Relax – learn to relax and breath deeply and have adequate sleep atleast 7 hours per
day, Take a warm bath, Keep busy, Regular and moderate work is the best remedy
Procrastination is a deadly habit putting off what can be done today until things pile up and
become unmanageable. Learn to say NO when appropriate and YES when appropriate. DO
NOT make promises that you can not make/fulfill, Plan time, Avoid piling work, Plan for free
time as well, Spend time among people who show an interest in others, people who
offerundersting and acceptance without reproach finding stress with persons e.g. grandmother
Laughter – Noise and lack of space increase stress, Eat a balanced diet, Adopt an attidute of hope
– hope is an important factor in a happy life. Without hope it is easy to fall in doubt, anxiety and
fear which can lead into stress and depression.