Last time we had an overview of Stress, the Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn response and a simple relaxation exercise. This time let us have a look at the various different causes of Stress, which in some form or other we have all experienced and can relate to and most definitely recognise
THE 3 STAGES OF STRESS
COMMON STRESSORS
WORK RELATED | SOCIALLY RELATED |
Work overload | Loss of job |
Pressure of management | Death (spouse/family,pet) |
Lack of support | Personal injury |
Victimization/bullying | Financial changes |
Changing the goal posts | Pregnancy |
Unclear procedures | Retirement |
Bad communication | Moving home |
Increased working hours | Conflicting demands |
Unrealistic targets | Family |
Basic lack of training | Illness |
Unsought promotion | Bills |
Not enough breaks or holidays | Bullying |
Doing routine or boring work | Religious &/or social beliefs |
Lack of responsibility | Too much responsibility |
Marital problems | Marital problems |
EARLY SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
EMOTIONAL / PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNS | PHYSICAL SIGNS |
Concentration is reduced | Unexplained Aches and Pains |
Depression | Appetite Change(more/ less) |
Forgetfulness | Digestive problems |
Increased mistakes | Sleeplessness & Tiredness |
Irritability | Sweating & trembling |
Anxiety | Palpitations & heart disease |
Loss of confidence | |
Work style change | |
EARLY BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES
Less interest in. work and with colleagues
Difficulty in making decisions
Lowered tolerance level
Increased loss of temper
Increased alcohol / cigarette / caffeine / drug intake
Uncharacteristically aggressive and / or tearful
Pretty unpleasant isn’t it.
Now let’s look at the short- and long-term effects of stress in each individual.
SHORT & LONG TERM EFFECTS OF STRESS
EMOTIONAL | PHYSICAL | BEHAVIOURAL |
Complete lethargy or hyperactivity | Allergies & skin rashes | Accident proneness & clumsiness |
Complete burn out/mental/ Cancer physical breakdown | Cancer | Addition to stimulants |
Irrationality | Diabetes | Breakdown of personal and family relationships |
Hair loss | Heart disease | Frequent absence from work |
High blood pressure | Gastric & intestinal ulcers and/or other digestive disorders | Mood swings |
| Overall work inefficiency |
Stress can also be a good state to have – it helps us meet our daily challenges and motivates us to reach our goals, ultimately making us smarter, happier and healthier.