Stress and Mental Health (3)

Question 1

Discuss factors that contribute to allostatic load (1)

Answer 1

Different and Steady

A way to figuratively quantify the amount of stress an individual has accumulated

Associated biomarkers in research

Stressor may no longer be present, but physiological effects persist

-Elevated inflammatory response – arthritis, arterial disease, diabetes, abdominal fat, IBD
-Loss of bone density
-Hypertension, hyperlipidemia

Question 2

Explain the role of coping types, adaptation, and resilience in mental health promotion (2)

Answer 2

Coping involves behavioral or cognitive processes in response to a stressor.

The expected outcome is to manage stress and achieve emotional regulation

Behavioral or cognitive process done consciously or unconsciously in response to a stressor

Simply put: how you deal
Can be helpful or unhelpful
Part of nursing assessment (psychosocial)

Question 3

Positive Adaptations:
Learning?
Social?
Biology?

What is Reselience?

Answer 3

Learning – change behavior for future stressor based on this experience
Social – strengthen bonds with others
Biology – return to homeostasis with removal of stressor

Capacity to withstand stress & mobilize healthy coping strategies

Can increase with time and adequate support