STRESS- UNDERSTANDING & MANAGEMENT

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