Introduction to Stress Management

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Introduction to Stress Management
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What is stress?

• Bodys response to internal and external demands.
• Triggered by good or bad changes and events in
  our lives
• Distress
• Eustress
• Often results in a feeling of wanting to either
  fight the stress or run away from it

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Why do we feel stressed?

• Change in life has an unsettling effect.
• We are feeling challenged or threatened by an
  outside force.
• We experience a loss of personal control.

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Symptoms of Stress

• PHYSICAL
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Inability to focus/Lack of concentration
• Sexual problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Sweating palms/Shaking hands
• Anxiety
• Heart problems (tachycardia, palpitations)

• BEHAVIORAL
• Irritability
• Disruptive eating patterns (over eat or under
  eat)
• Harsh treatment of others
• Increased smoking or alcohol consumption
• Isolation
• Compulsive shopping
• Difficulty in communication

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Facts About Stress

• Workplace stress causes about 1 million U.S.
  employees to miss work each day
• Work-related stress can double peoples risk of
  dying from heart diseases
• Health care expenditures are 50 greater for
  workers who report high levels of stress
• Stress was the most frequently reported
  impediment for academic success

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Common stressors in college

• Greater academic demands
• Being on your own in a new environment
• Changes in family relations
• Financial responsibilities
• Changes in your social life
• Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations
• Preparing for life after graduation

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Ways to Respond to Stress

• Assess priorities
• Practice facing stressful moments
• Realistic expectations
• Incorporate healthy practices
• Learn to accept changes as part of life

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Depression

• Major depression is the leading cause of
  disability in the U.S. and worldwide
• Depression affects an estimated 9.5 percent of
  adult Americans ages 18 and over
• 18.8 million people a year report having
  depression

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Symptoms of Depression

• Irritability, increased crying, and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
• Persistent physical symptoms

• Persistent sad or "empty" mood
• Hopeless feeling
• Substance abuse
• Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary
  activities
• Disturbances in eating/sleeping patterns

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Depression in College

• 10 of college students have been diagnosed with
  depression, including 13 of college women
• In 2000, almost 7 of college students reported
  anxiety disorders women are 5 times as likely to
  have anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders affects 5-10 million women and 1
  million men,with the highest rates occurring in
  college-aged women
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for
  those aged 15-24, and the second leading killer
  in college students
• Almost 7 of men and 12 of women ages 18-24
  report frequent mental distress a key indicator
  for depression and other mental disorders.
• National Mental Health Association

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Danger Signs of Suicide

• Talking about suicide
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or
  worthlessness
• Preoccupation with death
• Suddenly happier or calmer

• Loss of interest in things one cares about
• Visiting or calling people one cares about
• Setting one's affairs in order
• Giving things away

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Tips on Managing Stress

• Organize Yourself
• Control Your Environment
• Positive Affirmations
• Extracurricular Activities
• Exercise, Relaxation and Rest
• Nutrition
• Self-Awareness
• Humor