Anger & Stress Flashcards
“an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury & rage”
definition of anger-Charles Spielberger Ph.D. psychologist
3 Aspects of Anger
- thinking
- physiology
- behaviour
- thinking-takes a nanosecond to make a mental interpretation of an event
- physiology-anger interpretations into physical reactions; faster heartbeat, tense muscles, Fight or Flight.
- behaviour-angry thoughts & body reactions affect behaviours
Solve to Act
S-state the problem
O-outline the solutions
L-list alternatives (brainstorm)
V-visualize consequences
E-evaluate results
A-accept what we cannot change
C-change what we can
T-treat yourself well
The Anger Cycle
- triggering event
- negative thoughts
- emotional response
- physical symptoms
- behavioural response
Difference between Fear & Anxiety
Fear- response to threats here & now (known/comprehensible)
Anxiety- future-focused fear (unknown/poorly defined threat) uneasy, apprehensive, worried
Anxiety (clinically defined)
diffuse, unpleasant, apprehension, uneasy, worried
A.C.E.’s
Adverse Childhood Experiences
traumatic events in childhood 0-17yrs old
The A.C.E. Study (Kaiser-Permanente ‘95-‘97)
one of the largest investigations of child abuse, neglect, household challenges, later-life health, well-being. (began in obesity clinic)
2 waves of data collection, 17,000+
A.C.E.’s 3 Categories
- abuse
- neglect
- household challenges
A.C.E.’s definitions (6) [first 18yrs of life]
- emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- household challenges
- Emotional Neglect
- Physical Neglect
3 Part Brain
Triune Brain Model by Paul D. MacLean (physician/neuroscientist)
1. reptilian
2. mammalian
3. neomammalian
- reptilian (brain stem) innermost, survival instincts, autonomic body processes
- mammalian (limbic, midbrain) midlevel, processes emotions, conveys sensory relays
- neomammalian (cortex, forebrain) outer area, most highly evolved part, cognitive processing, decision making, learning, memory, inhibitory functions
Trauma
situation/event person can’t cope w/, leaving them in extreme state of fear.e.g. imminent death, destruction, physical/mental harm
Anger Iceberg
we see the tip of the iceberg, angry actions/words. Don’t see the hidden reasons/feelings fueling anger underneath
Anger
secondary emotion. result of other emotion. Comes from feelings frustrated, hurt, sad, rejected, etc. not inherently bad or dangerous. An emotion w/physiological effects.
Relapse Prevention (4 main ideas)
- gradual process, distinct stages. Chances of success greatest in recognization in early stages
- personal growth w/developmental milestones
- cognitive therapy, mind-body relaxation, healthy coping skills
- relapses focus 5 basic rules: 1. change your life, 2. honesty 3. ask for help 4. self-care 5. don’t bend the rules
Types of Relapse
Emotional
Mental
Physical
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
significant intrusive response to traumatic event. Includes:
1. reliving traumatic events
2. Avoidance of reminders of events
3. Increased arousal as result of event
Continuum of Trauma
1.Traumatic stress: involuntary reaction to stressful situation, but doesn’t interfere significantly in life
2. PTSD: symptoms ongoing, organizing principle of life, Interfere significantly w/life, debilitating.
3. Delayed PTSD: includes all PTSD responses, but symptoms occur much later after event. Months to years later.
4. Complex PTSD: trauma @early age, chronic & ongoing, direct impact on brain development & attachment. W/in close relationship, profoundly disrupting, chronic self-destructive behaviours. (most severe form)
Trauma-Informed Practice (T.I.P.)
strengths-based framework in understanding/responsiveness to impact of trauma. Emphasizes physical, psychological, emotional safety for all.
T.I.P. examples
child abuse, neglect, violence/witnessing, disrupted attachment, accidents, natural disaster, war, unexpected loss
Trauma-informed approaches
developmentally appropriate (age, mental capacity)
need for continuum of services both specialized & non-specialized
respond to trauma experiences, mental health, S.U. concerns concurrently
1. trauma awareness
2. safety, trustworthiness
3. choice, collaboration, connection
Signs of Trauma
-craving control
-agreeing just to keep the peace
-on guard all the time
-neg. worldview, no trust
-seek constant escape
-chronic emptiness
-reckless impulses, no personal safety
-flashbacks
Intergenerational Trauma
traumatic event reverberates thru generations of a family, includes maternal care, offspring’s cognitive development; psychological, emotional effects experienced by those who live w/trauma survivors
Anxiety Disorders (6)
Panic- panic attacks. Terrified with no warning.
Social Phobia- intensely fearful of social situations
Specific Phobia- irrational fear of object or environment
PTSD- victim reliving terrifying trauma. Threatened/suffered physical, mental, emotional harm
OCD- persistent unwanted thoughts, behavioural habits (compulsions), can’t control them
Generalized- excessive worry ordinary situations/events, up to 8hrs a day
Amygdala
-threat detection centre
-can be overactive
-constant looking for, seeing, assessing threat
result-feel intensely anxious, vulnerable, fearful
Hippocampus
-centre for processing memories
-can be underactive
-memories hung up in present-day loop
result-intrusive, disturbing, uncomfortable recollections
Cortex
-centre for executive control
-interrupted by survival-oriented instincts
result-instincts overrule logical thinking, diminish cognitive processing, decrease ability to to inhibit behaviour
Triangle of Resilience
Mind- insight, awareness, intention, focused attention
Relationship- attachments impact physical brain structure
Brain- extended nervous system in our body
The 4 R’s
- realize- org-wide understanding how trauma effects people
- recognize- signs of trauma
- response- to trauma, system-wide, informs all behaviours, language, programs, policies
- resist re-traumatization- of patients, clients, staff, org.’s can unintentionally create conditions re-traumatize
A.B.C.’s (vicarious trauma)
Awareness- of needs, emotions, limits
Balance- between work, leisure time, rest
Connection- to ourselves, others, something greater (spiritual higher power)
Neglect (2)
- Emotional Neglect- feel unimportant, not special, unloved, no source of strength or support
- Physical Neglect- no protection, no one to take care of you, no doctor visits, not enough to eat, parent’s too inebriated, wear dirty clothes, no hygiene
3 Stages of Addiction Recovery w/Trauma View
Judith Herman (author, therapist)
1. safety & stabilization (beginning the journey)
-establishing stability thru abstinence, harm reduction
-coping skills
-mindfulness, self-care, support groups
- longest stage
2. remembering & mourning
-stabilization to freedom, present & grounded
recognize experience, but doesn’t define you
-coping with triggers
3. reconnecting & integration
-healing from traumas
-setting goals
-improving quality of life
The 7 Desires of Addictive Behaviours
- stay safe
- escape memories
- soothe pain
- be in control
- create a world you can tolerate
- treat yourself
- redefine who you are
Epigenetics
epi means beyond, investigates influence of env. stimuli; stressors, life adversity on the genome (genetic material of an organism)
