UNIT 5 Flashcards
Definition of tipping point
Point at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of the strain/burden of perceived stress. The tipping point will be different for each individual; what might be your tipping point will be different than others
How to conceptualize the idea of tipping point?
Stress diathesis model
Stress definition in the stress diathesis model
Triggers several interconnected biological systems. The process by which the body adapts to changed I the body such as stress is called allostasis
Diathesis definition in the stress diathesis model
refers to the concept of vulnerability. Specifically, a persons predisposition or vulnerability to a medical condition.
What is a diathesis
biological though genetic inheritance, a psychological vulnerability created by exposure to a stressor early in life, or a vulnerability created by the interaction between hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors (GxE)
What does the stress diathesis model explain?
A disorder or behaviour through an interaction between genetic predisposition and a stressful exposure
does the tipping point vary depending on each individual?
Yes! - Because there is so much variability across the presence of risk factors, the “tipping point” at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of the strain of perceived stress varies a lot between individuals – just like sensitivity to pain or temp
What is central in the stress diathesis model?
The brain and regulation
What does the brain do in the stress diathesis model?
Determines what are threatening/adverse and what are positive experiences/exposures. The brain is responsible for regulating an individual’s physical, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive response to stressor, events and experiences
Stress in the stress diathesis model
Must be balanced. Stress, if manageable, can lead to positive growth and adaptation (steeling effect) which promotes resilience and good health
- Steeling effect: refers to evidence of more resistance to later stress having successfully coped with a stress or challenge
Stress and Health in the stress diathesis model?
Too much stress, either chronic (cumulative) or acute overwhelming stress, takes a toll on the brain and body, and is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes
Brain structure in the stress diathesis model
When stressed, the brain changes its structure in an adaptive or maladaptive way in response, In fact, the loss of resilience (physiologically, neurologically, and behaviourally) is a key feature of disorders related to stress (i.e anxiety and depression)
According to the stress diathesis model does stress influence how you think and feel both emotionally and physically?
Yes
What does the stress diathesis model have to do?
System checks and balances and adapts
how does the brain process information?
From internal (hydration and hormonal state) and external (work, family, friends) environment
What affects how the brain reacts?
Your genetics and life experience affects how the brain reacts to the same stress.
What do genetics and life experiences do together?
Determine your individual perceived level of stress
Physiological response
Brain controls and coordinated the physiological, psychological and behavioural response to perceived stress
What are some Physiological responses
Influencing metabolism, heart rate, anxiety levels, emotions, what you tell yourself, and how you behave
What do Physiological responses result from
signalling of various systems including the HPA axis, the autonomic nervous system, the metabolic system, the gut and the immune system
What does allostatic load refer to?
the wear and tear on the body and brain resulting from chronic dysregulation or overactivity/strain related to the process of allostasis
What are interventions that alleviate allostatic load?
healthy diet, regular cardiovascular exercise, social support, connectedness (sense of belonging), and good quality sleep
What is the benefit of participating in ways to alleviate allostatic load?
help develop resilience in the event of adversity
What does genetic make-up interacting with life experience determine?
individual sensitivity to certain experiences
Reduces risk: genetic make-up
interacts with life experiences good and bad to determine resiliency and sensitivity to stress
Benefits of developing healthy ways to cope with stress and adversity
can reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed and developing symptoms
Young people and important of flourishing
Young people are at a particularly important time in development when a healthy lifestyle together with accelerated brain development increases the likelihood of positive effects in well-being
what are the two most common mental health disorders in Canada
anxiety and depression
Depression and anxiety in males vs females
More prevalent in females than males
What types of identifying signs and symptoms are there for mental health problems?
Variety of early warning signs and symptoms of emergent mental health problems
What are many of the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Emotional/cognitive, physical and behavioural in nature
What are anxiety disorder symptoms associated with?
Tend to persist and are associated with distress and/or impairment
Emotional signs and symptoms of anxiety?
- Feeling on edge
- Feeling irritable
- Not fully enjoying things
Physical signs and symptoms and anxiety?
- Restlessness
- Chest tightness
- Muscle tension
- Shortness of breath
- GI upset
- Headaches
- Sweaty palms
- Butterflies
- Changes in appetite
- Blushing/flushing
- Fatigue or low energy
- Rapid pressured speech