STRESSORS

STRESSORS 

Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight-or-freeze” reaction, or the stress response.

Good and bad stressors produce the same generalized response.

1. Eustress - was coined by Selye for positive stress.                 Includes as positive stressors are the mild stress that             helps you stay awake and alert during a major exam, the  
    anticipation felt on the school opening, and the exhilirating
    stress felt by exercise.

2.  Distress - the unpleasant stress coined by Selye.                    Physical and emotional disruption, illness, and even                death are the results of uncontrolled distress. Physical            confrontation, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and 
     lack of meaningful friendships are examples of 
     distress.

Emotional and physical breakdowns result in the bosy's exhaustion as a result of the unresolved effect of the stressor. This breakdown may occur quickly or over many years depending on the stressor's strength. This breakdown leads to stress related diseases and mental disorders. 

1. hyperstension - 
2. heart diseases
3. stroke
4. alcoholism
5. depression
6. gastrointestinal disorders

that have unresolved stress origins

Asthma
Migrane
Headache
High fever
Allergies
Impotence
Menstrual irregularities

other stress related disorders

Overeating
Underactivity
Cigarette smoking

are effects of unresolved stress related behaviors

A spychosomatic illness is a physical disorder caused by stress rather that by an agent that damages the body.

The following are kinds of psychosomatic illnesses

sleep disorders
skin disease (cold, acne, sores)
digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
ulcer
headache (migraine)
hypertension


Activity for Grade 7 Health

Give your own meaning of STRESS and how to manage it.

1. Stress for me is _____________.
2. How can we manage stress.


The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently. Not only can overwhelming stress lead to serious mental and physical health problems, it can also take a toll on your relationships at home, work, and school.

Signs and symptoms of stress overload

The following table lists some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress. The more signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the closer you may be to stress overload.

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
Memory problems Inability to concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying	Moodiness Irritability or short temper Agitation, inability to relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness
Physical Symptoms	Behavioral Symptoms
Aches and pains Diarrhea or constipation Nausea, dizziness Chest pain, rapid heartbeat Loss of sex drive Frequent colds	Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little Isolating yourself from others Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

The Body’s Stress Response

When you perceive a threat, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones rouse the body for emergency action.

Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus—preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-causes-and-effects.htm

Developing Mind and Body through MAPEH IV