INTRODUCTION-
Stress is the way you react physically, mentally and emotionally to various conditions, changes and demands in your life. It may originate from a multitude of sources and cause a wide variety of responses, both positive and negative. Stress is your mind and body’s response or reaction to a real or imagined threat, event or change. The threat, event or change are commonly called stressors. Stressors can be internal or external. They can range from everyday hassles such as traffic jams to divorce, death of a close family member, injury or illness, marriage, loss of job, retirement etc.
EFFECTS OF STRESS-
Undesired Effects of stress- Stress reactions may disturb the adaptation to the environment in a very serious way, both at a personal and an organisational level. As such, these reactions have all kinds of undesirable and also very expensive consequences.
Individual Effects of Stress- Stress tends to lead to diminished creativity and stagnation of personal development. As such, it negatively affects work motivation, pleasure and well-being. Moreover, it diminishes the quality of social relations, resulting in conflicts and isolation. As a result, overall individual effectiveness can be greatly diminished. Ultimately, stress can lead to all kinds of psychological and physical complaints and illnesses, which may contribute to a premature death.
Behavioural responses- Overeating, undereating, anger outbursts, drug or alcohol abuse, increased smoking, social withdrawal, crying spells, relationship conflicts.
Psychological responses- decreased attention and concentration, feelings of anxiety, anger, apathy, depression, and aggression, restlessness, worrying, irritability, sadness, anger, feeling insecure, lack of focus, burnout, forgetfulness.
Physiological responses- headaches, nervous stomach, change in appetite, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, irritability, anxiety, heart disease, back pain, gastrointestinal disturbances and alcohol and drug dependency, “fight or flight” response, decreased immunity, stomach upset, sleep problems. Recovery (from illnesses and accidents) will be relatively slow due to impaired physiological processes. Complete exhaustion may take place leading to sudden death.
Effects of Stress for Organisations- At the level of organisations, stress can lead to a number of effects that each can jeopardise the position and survival of any organisation (low production quality and quantity, production errors and disturbances, overlooking possible solutions and missing crucial business opportunities and chances).
CAUSES- Anxiety, Unexpected negative changes in life, Disorganization, Physical Constraints, Time constraints, Demands, Control, Lack of Support, Role ambiguity, conflict, Perception of threat or challenge, Negative thoughts and images…
WARNING SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Cognitive Symptoms Emotional Symptoms
Memory problems Moodiness
Inattention Irritability/short temper
Poor judgment Agitation/restlessness
Negative thinking Feeling overwhelmed
Anxious thoughts Sense of loneliness and isolation
Constant worrying Depression
Physical Symptoms Behavioral Symptoms
Aches and pains Eating more/less
Diarrhoea/constipation Sleeping too much/too little
Nausea, dizziness Isolating yourself from others
Chest pain/palpitations Procrastinating/neglecting responsibilities
Loss of sex drive Use of alcohol/cigarettes/drugs
Frequent colds Nervous habits
STRESS MANAGEMENT:
Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.
IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE BEING BURDENED, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
TAKE CHARGE AND CONTACT YOUR PSYCHOLOGIST OR PSYCHIATRIST TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH THE SAME!!
COMPILED BY:
BANDNA REKHI
CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
I JUST CAN’T HELP IT, ONCE I AM ANGRY, THERE IS NO STOPPING ME I LOSE CONTROL
WHAT IS ANGER? NORMAL VS ABNORMAL
Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life. It may vary in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.
Anger may be caused by both external and internal events like uncontrollable situations, negative thinking, fatigue, helplessness, deprivation, competition, etc.
WHY SHOULD IT BE CONTROLLED?
The instinctive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively. Anger is a natural, adaptive response to threats; it inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and behaviors, which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival.
On the other hand, we can't express our anger at every person or object that irritates or annoys us. Unexpressed anger can create problems as it can lead to passive-aggressive behaviour, self harm, psychological problems, unsuccessful interpersonal relationships, etc.
Like all emotions, anger also is short-lived; it gradually goes to a peak and settles down slowly provided you are able to distract yourself. This is a fact that usually we are not very well aware of, which makes it uncontrollable. So the next time you get angry don’t think about how you can’t control your anger, rather try out different techniques which help you resolve your anger.
HOW CAN IT CONTROLLED?
Relaxation- deep breathing or counting your breath, with full focus on breathing, imagining light pleasant scenes can help calm down anger with immediate effect.
Timeplan- Make a timetable with all your daily activities so that you are well prepared to handle emergencies. It will help in making a serious attempt to face it than lose patience, think negative, and feel irritable and finally angry.
Better Communication- Angry people tend to jump to conclusions. Leave the situation and get back to discuss once you are calm. Avoid heated discussions when angry.
Time a discussion appropriately- when you discuss things, avoid doing it when you or the other person are tired, distracted, or irritable, as it may flare up problems. An appropriate time should be sought for discussion.
Therapy/ counselling- If you feel that your anger is really out of control, if it is having an impact on your relationships and on important parts of your life, you might consider counselling to learn more technical ways of dealing with negative emotions. Psychotherapy involves the use of thinking, feelings and behaviours, which in case if maladaptive, may be modified. A certified psychologist may be contacted for the same.
By:
BANDNA REKHI
CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life. It may vary in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.
Anger may be caused by both external and internal events like uncontrollable situations, negative thinking, fatigue, helplessness, deprivation, competition, etc.
WHY SHOULD IT BE CONTROLLED?
The instinctive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively. Anger is a natural, adaptive response to threats; it inspires powerful, often aggressive, feelings and behaviors, which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival.
On the other hand, we can't express our anger at every person or object that irritates or annoys us. Unexpressed anger can create problems as it can lead to passive-aggressive behaviour, self harm, psychological problems, unsuccessful interpersonal relationships, etc.
Like all emotions, anger also is short-lived; it gradually goes to a peak and settles down slowly provided you are able to distract yourself. This is a fact that usually we are not very well aware of, which makes it uncontrollable. So the next time you get angry don’t think about how you can’t control your anger, rather try out different techniques which help you resolve your anger.
HOW CAN IT CONTROLLED?
Relaxation- deep breathing or counting your breath, with full focus on breathing, imagining light pleasant scenes can help calm down anger with immediate effect.
Timeplan- Make a timetable with all your daily activities so that you are well prepared to handle emergencies. It will help in making a serious attempt to face it than lose patience, think negative, and feel irritable and finally angry.
Better Communication- Angry people tend to jump to conclusions. Leave the situation and get back to discuss once you are calm. Avoid heated discussions when angry.
Time a discussion appropriately- when you discuss things, avoid doing it when you or the other person are tired, distracted, or irritable, as it may flare up problems. An appropriate time should be sought for discussion.
Therapy/ counselling- If you feel that your anger is really out of control, if it is having an impact on your relationships and on important parts of your life, you might consider counselling to learn more technical ways of dealing with negative emotions. Psychotherapy involves the use of thinking, feelings and behaviours, which in case if maladaptive, may be modified. A certified psychologist may be contacted for the same.
By:
BANDNA REKHI
CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PORTRAIT OF ADD / ADHD CHIL/ Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition
MYTHS AND REALITY
Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.
POSITIVE TRAITS OF CHILDREN WITH ADD/ADHD
In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder:
• Creativity – Children who have ADD/ADHD can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten different thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist. Children with ADD may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see.
• Flexibility – Because children with ADD/ADHD consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas.
• Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADD/ADHD are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with.
• Energy and drive – When kids with ADD/ADHD are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.
Keep in mind, too, thatTHERE IS NO RELATION BETWEEN ADD/ADHD AND CHILD’S INTELLIGENCE OR TALENT . Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted.
Sourse ; www.helpguid.org
By: NEELAM UPADHYAYA
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition
MYTHS AND REALITY
Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.
POSITIVE TRAITS OF CHILDREN WITH ADD/ADHD
In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder:
• Creativity – Children who have ADD/ADHD can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten different thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist. Children with ADD may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see.
• Flexibility – Because children with ADD/ADHD consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas.
• Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADD/ADHD are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with.
• Energy and drive – When kids with ADD/ADHD are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.
Keep in mind, too, thatTHERE IS NO RELATION BETWEEN ADD/ADHD AND CHILD’S INTELLIGENCE OR TALENT . Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted.
Sourse ; www.helpguid.org
By: NEELAM UPADHYAYA
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