Stress

STRESS

What is Stress?

Stress is your body’s reaction to demands in your life. It is a natural part of everyone’s life. We all experience anxiety, tension and pressure at work and home. A certain amount of stress is necessary to meet life’s challenges and keep us motivated and productive. However, too much stress can make us tired, irritable and tense. Stress experienced over a long period of time without relief can seriously affect our physical and mental well-being. Stress decreases the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment.

Stress Statistics

• 75% of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks (National Health Interview Survey).
• Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two-week period.
• Millions of Americans suffer from unhealthy levels.
• Current estimates show that between 70% and 80% of all visits to physicians are for stress-related disorders (Scofield, 1990).
• More than 50% of adult Americans suffer various health effects due to stress.
• Medical researchers estimate that up to 90% of illness and disease is stress-related.
• Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
• Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications account for one fourth of all prescriptions written in the U.S. each year.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S. studied stress and found:

• Job burnout experienced by 25% to 40% of U.S. workers is blamed for stress.
• Depression, only one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.
• $300 billion, or 7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses and employee turnover.

A recent Roper Starch Worldwide survey of 30,000 people between the ages of 13 and 65 in 30 countries showed:

• Women who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 report the greatest stress worldwide.
• Nearly 1 in 4 mothers who work full-time and have children under 13 feel stress almost every day.
• Globally, 23% of women executives and professionals, and 19% of their male peers, say they feel “super-stressed.”

Stress categories include:

• Acute stress is a short-term stress, which occurs as a reaction to an immediate threat that we know as the Fight or Flight Response. Acute stressors include but are not limited to noise, traffic, crowding, hunger, infection, isolation, danger and/or anticipating/remembering a dangerous event. Symptoms of acute stress include tension headaches, feelings of agitation and pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, etc. Once the stressful event has passed, Flight or Fight Response is replaced with Relaxation Response. It may take between 6 and 8 weeks to recover from acute stress.

• Episodic acute stress is more serious than acute stress. Symptoms might include migraines, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, anxiety, depression, serious gastrointestinal distress, etc. It may take between 4 and 6 months to recover from episodic acute stress. Lifestyle readjustment and professional help might be required.

• Chronic stress is a long-term or ongoing stress. Chronic stressors include but not limited to long-term financial problems and worries, relationship problems, highly pressured work, loneliness, etc. Symptoms might include diabetes, immune system suppression, or even cancer. It may take 2 to 3 years to recover from chronic stress with the use of professional help.

• Traumatic stress is the result of massive acute stress. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is long lasting for may people while it is life lasting for some. People with this condition require professional help to reduce and/or eliminate its symptoms.

Components of stress:

• Frustrations experienced while trying to meet their goals
• Conflicts occurred when people attempt to make difficult decisions
• Pressures (e.g., work, time and life event) resulted from the need to achieve their goals

Types of stress:

• Physical stress: pain, hot/cold temperature, weather, trauma, exercise, environmental pollution (e.g., noise pollution, water pollution, air pollution, poor ventilation, etc.), childbirth, intense physical labor, illness, aging, fatigue, inadequate supply of oxygen, dehydration, hypoglycemia, poor joint alignment, hormonal and biochemical imbalances, dietary stress, substance abuse, dental problems, sleep disturbances, PMS/menopause in women, etc.

• Psychological stress: emotional stress, mental stress, and perceptual stress.

• Psychosocial stress: relationship difficulties, lack of social support, isolation, unemployment, poverty, violence, discrimination due to ethnicity, gender and/or age, racism, Internet addiction, etc.

• Psychospiritual stress: crisis of values, meaning, and purpose, joyless striving versus meaningful work, misalignment with core beliefs, etc.

Social sources/causes of stress:

• Negative: pain, illness, divorce, emotional conflict, loneliness, death of loved ones/bereavement, job interview, job loss, financial hardship/issues, deadlines, disagreements, public speeches/presentations
• Positive: financial gain, job promotion, new marriage, new child, holiday stress

Physical sources/causes of stress:

• Poor nutrition
• Allergies/allergic reactions
• Biochemical imbalances
• Substance abuse

Stressors at work include the following:

• Lack of effective communication and mutual understanding among staff members and supervisors
• Competition
• Lack of conflict resolution methods among staff members and supervisors
• Work schedules/long hours
• Unreasonable expectations or demands for performance
• Too much time spent away from home and family
• Lack of participation in decisions that affect one’s tasks
• Office politics and conflicts between staff members
• Lack of job security
• Salaries do not correspond with levels of responsibility
• Discrimination and prejudice
• Sexual harassment
• Limited or lack of child care accommodations
• Commute/transportation and amount of time spent to get to the workplace

Consequences of stress:

• Pain/chronic pain
• Headaches: tension headaches and migraines
• Back pain
• Anxiety/fear/phobias/panic/temper outbursts
• Depression
• Nervousness
• Decreased attention, focus and concentration
• Memory problems/loss
• Stroke
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack (infarction)
• Coronary heart disease
• Angina (ischemia)
• Weaker and/or suppressed immune system
• Allergies and sinus problems
• Lupus
• Increase risk of infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal bloating and/or cramping
• Digestion problems
• Sleep disorders (e.g., problems falling and/or staying asleep)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Hypoglycemia
• Colitis
• Peptic ulcer
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Weight loss or weight gain/obesity
• Eating disorders
• Arthritis
• Skin problems (e.g., rashes, eczema, acne, psoriasis, hives, rosacea, etc.)
• Hair loss/baldness
• Risk for gum/periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss
• Liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis)
• Cancer
• Hypertension/high blood pressure
• Neuromuscular syndrome
• Hormonal imbalances
• Perspiration
• Sexual and reproductive disturbances (e.g., diminished sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, inability to achieve orgasm in women, temporary impotence in men, etc.)
• PMS irregularities
• Prolonged, inconsistent or lack of menstruation in women
• Infertility
• Problems associated with getting or retaining/saving pregnancy
• Risk of premature birth or miscarriage

Stress predominates in our contemporary society. As human beings we are vulnerable and live under huge magnitude of stress. Stress is a signal that something needs to change. Most people experience difficulty or face obstacles of how to overcome it. Below is a list of recommendations of how to relieve stress.

STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM is highly recommended and available at our office to anyone who wants to lead a healthier life. Learn to manage the same amount of stress in more positive ways, without suffering negative health consequences. You will learn stress management techniques, which will help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. This program is customized to meet individual needs. It is specially designed for people who have made a decision to learn new ways of managing their lives. People who are ready to make this commitment will benefit tremendously from a stress management program.

THROUGH OUR STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM YOU WILL LEARN TO:

• Utilize alternative medicine techniques such as Neurotherapy, meditation, deep diaphragmatic breathing and other
• Take a time out
• Identify sources of stress
• Change or restructure priorities
• Avoid self-pity
• Identify your fears
• Change your response to stress
• Make time for yourself
• Recognize your needs, strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly
• Positive thinking
• Compromise
• LET GO
• Explore your beliefs and connect your actions to your values
• How to say “NO” to other people


		STRESS What is Stress? Stress is your body’s reaction to demands in your life. It is a natural part of everyone’s life. We all experience anxiety, tension and pressure at work and home. A certain amount of stress is necessary to meet life’s challenges and keep us motivated and productive. However, too much stress can make us tired, irritable and tense. Stress experienced over a long period of time without relief can seriously affect our physical and mental well-being. Stress decreases the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. Stress Statistics • 75% of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks (National Health Interview Survey). • Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two-week period. • Millions of Americans suffer from unhealthy levels. • Current estimates show that between 70% and 80% of all visits to physicians are for stress-related disorders (Scofield, 1990). • More than 50% of adult Americans suffer various health effects due to stress. • Medical researchers estimate that up to 90% of illness and disease is stress-related. • Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. • Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications account for one fourth of all prescriptions written in the U.S. each year. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S. studied stress and found: • Job burnout experienced by 25% to 40% of U.S. workers is blamed for stress. • Depression, only one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, responsible for more days lost than any other single factor. • $300 billion, or 7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses and employee turnover. A recent Roper Starch Worldwide survey of 30,000 people between the ages of 13 and 65 in 30 countries showed: • Women who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 report the greatest stress worldwide. • Nearly 1 in 4 mothers who work full-time and have children under 13 feel stress almost every day. • Globally, 23% of women executives and professionals, and 19% of their male peers, say they feel “super-stressed.” Stress categories include: • Acute stress is a short-term stress, which occurs as a reaction to an immediate threat that we know as the Fight or Flight Response. Acute stressors include but are not limited to noise, traffic, crowding, hunger, infection, isolation, danger and/or anticipating/remembering a dangerous event. Symptoms of acute stress include tension headaches, feelings of agitation and pressure, gastrointestinal disturbances, etc. Once the stressful event has passed, Flight or Fight Response is replaced with Relaxation Response. It may take between 6 and 8 weeks to recover from acute stress. • Episodic acute stress is more serious than acute stress. Symptoms might include migraines, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, anxiety, depression, serious gastrointestinal distress, etc. It may take between 4 and 6 months to recover from episodic acute stress. Lifestyle readjustment and professional help might be required. • Chronic stress is a long-term or ongoing stress. Chronic stressors include but not limited to long-term financial problems and worries, relationship problems, highly pressured work, loneliness, etc. Symptoms might include diabetes, immune system suppression, or even cancer. It may take 2 to 3 years to recover from chronic stress with the use of professional help. • Traumatic stress is the result of massive acute stress. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is long lasting for may people while it is life lasting for some. People with this condition require professional help to reduce and/or eliminate its symptoms. Components of stress: • Frustrations experienced while trying to meet their goals • Conflicts occurred when people attempt to make difficult decisions • Pressures (e.g., work, time and life event) resulted from the need to achieve their goals Types of stress: • Physical stress: pain, hot/cold temperature, weather, trauma, exercise, environmental pollution (e.g., noise pollution, water pollution, air pollution, poor ventilation, etc.), childbirth, intense physical labor, illness, aging, fatigue, inadequate supply of oxygen, dehydration, hypoglycemia, poor joint alignment, hormonal and biochemical imbalances, dietary stress, substance abuse, dental problems, sleep disturbances, PMS/menopause in women, etc. • Psychological stress: emotional stress, mental stress, and perceptual stress. • Psychosocial stress: relationship difficulties, lack of social support, isolation, unemployment, poverty, violence, discrimination due to ethnicity, gender and/or age, racism, Internet addiction, etc. • Psychospiritual stress: crisis of values, meaning, and purpose, joyless striving versus meaningful work, misalignment with core beliefs, etc. Social sources/causes of stress: • Negative: pain, illness, divorce, emotional conflict, loneliness, death of loved ones/bereavement, job interview, job loss, financial hardship/issues, deadlines, disagreements, public speeches/presentations • Positive: financial gain, job promotion, new marriage, new child, holiday stress Physical sources/causes of stress: • Poor nutrition • Allergies/allergic reactions • Biochemical imbalances • Substance abuse Stressors at work include the following: • Lack of effective communication and mutual understanding among staff members and supervisors • Competition • Lack of conflict resolution methods among staff members and supervisors • Work schedules/long hours • Unreasonable expectations or demands for performance • Too much time spent away from home and family • Lack of participation in decisions that affect one’s tasks • Office politics and conflicts between staff members • Lack of job security • Salaries do not correspond with levels of responsibility • Discrimination and prejudice • Sexual harassment • Limited or lack of child care accommodations • Commute/transportation and amount of time spent to get to the workplace Consequences of stress: • Pain/chronic pain • Headaches: tension headaches and migraines • Back pain • Anxiety/fear/phobias/panic/temper outbursts • Depression • Nervousness • Decreased attention, focus and concentration • Memory problems/loss • Stroke • Increased heart rate • Heart attack (infarction) • Coronary heart disease • Angina (ischemia) • Weaker and/or suppressed immune system • Allergies and sinus problems • Lupus • Increase risk of infection • Inflammatory bowel disease • Diarrhea • Constipation • Abdominal bloating and/or cramping • Digestion problems • Sleep disorders (e.g., problems falling and/or staying asleep) • Irritable bowel syndrome • Hypoglycemia • Colitis • Peptic ulcer • Asthma • Diabetes • Weight loss or weight gain/obesity • Eating disorders • Arthritis • Skin problems (e.g., rashes, eczema, acne, psoriasis, hives, rosacea, etc.) • Hair loss/baldness • Risk for gum/periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss • Liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis) • Cancer • Hypertension/high blood pressure • Neuromuscular syndrome • Hormonal imbalances • Perspiration • Sexual and reproductive disturbances (e.g., diminished sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, inability to achieve orgasm in women, temporary impotence in men, etc.) • PMS irregularities • Prolonged, inconsistent or lack of menstruation in women • Infertility • Problems associated with getting or retaining/saving pregnancy • Risk of premature birth or miscarriage Stress predominates in our contemporary society. As human beings we are vulnerable and live under huge magnitude of stress. Stress is a signal that something needs to change. Most people experience difficulty or face obstacles of how to overcome it. Below is a list of recommendations of how to relieve stress. STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM is highly recommended and available at our office to anyone who wants to lead a healthier life. Learn to manage the same amount of stress in more positive ways, without suffering negative health consequences. You will learn stress management techniques, which will help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. This program is customized to meet individual needs. It is specially designed for people who have made a decision to learn new ways of managing their lives. People who are ready to make this commitment will benefit tremendously from a stress management program. THROUGH OUR STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM YOU WILL LEARN TO: • Utilize alternative medicine techniques such as Neurotherapy, meditation, deep diaphragmatic breathing and other • Take a time out • Identify sources of stress • Change or restructure priorities • Avoid self-pity • Identify your fears • Change your response to stress • Make time for yourself • Recognize your needs, strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly • Positive thinking • Compromise • LET GO • Explore your beliefs and connect your actions to your values • How to say “NO” to other people RECOMMENDED READINGS • A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins • The Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg • A Mind of Its Own by Ruth Dowling Bruun and Bertel Bruun