Lecture 9: Stress & Crisis

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation and there are 2 primary forms:
Acute Stress
Chronic Stress

Question 2

Acute Stress

Answer 2

• short duration from minutes to days and tied to a specific event or situation
  
  • small doses can be motivating
  • have a clear and immediate solution

Question 3

Chronic Stress

Answer 3

• Lasts months to years and can be damaging (effects all systems of the body = increased infections, heart disease, depression, etc)
  
  • not tied to a single event, but an enduring issue without a swift resolution (e.g. constant worry a/b tuition, rent, etc)

Question 4

Distress (Negative Stressors)

Answer 4

• Health: illness or injury
  
  • Life Experiences: death, divorce, bullying, etc.
  • Finances: job loss
  • Family Stress: caring for loved ones long-term
  • Environment: noise, pollution, overcrowding, unsafe
  • Internal Thoughts: unrealistic expectations, worry a/b future

Question 5

Eustress (Positive Stressors)

Answer 5

• New Challenges: new job/promotion, new skills
  
  • Personal Milestones: marriage, birth of a child, retirement, buying/change of a home, move to a new city
  • Holiday Seasons: excitement

Question 6

Physical Signs & Symptoms of a Stress Response

Answer 6

• Shoulder/neck tension
• Backaches
• Headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Fatigue
• Stomach problems
• Insomnia
• Increased drug/alcohol use
• Colds/viruses

Question 7

Emotional Signs & Symptoms of a Stress Response

Answer 7

• Easily discouraged
• Frustration - Anger
• Depression
• Nervousness/worrying
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Anger
• Crying spells
• Tension
• Temporary High BP (fight or flight)

Question 8

Social Signs & Symptoms of a Stress Response

Answer 8

• Fewer contact with friends
• Lowered sex drive
• Nagging
• Clamming up
• Loneliness
• Lashing out
• Impatience
• Outbursts of anger

Question 9

Mental Signs & Symptoms of a Stress Response

Answer 9

• Poor concentration/poor memory
• Low productivity
• Negative attitude
• Confusion
• No new ideas
• Lethargy
• Boredom
• Increased irritability

Question 10

What is Coping?

Answer 10

The broad behaviours & thought patterns we use during stressful life situations that varies b/w people and age differences (it is complex & we use many strategies to address stressful events)
- Not all coping strategies are healthy = maladaptive