11/28/2021

TAKING CHARGE OF ONE’S HEALTH

STRESSORS AND
RESPONSES
Chapter 4.3

STRESS
❑ Stress is a state of mental or emotional
strain or tension resulting from adverse
or very demanding circumstances.

❑ It is a mental and physical response to

the demands of your environment.

❑ Stressor
➢ any event or conditions that put a strain
on the individual

Eg. death of a loved one

loss of a job
school tasks plus house chores

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Signs and Symptoms of Stress

1. Physiological/Physical
▪ low energy, insomnia, chest pain

2. Cognitive
▪ constant worrying, forgetfulness, lack
of concentration and attention,
pessimistic

3. Emotion/Affect
▪ moody, irritable, lonely

Not all types of stress are BAD

❑ Eustress – positive kind of stress

❑ Distress – negative type of stress

https://www.palmcentre.sg/post/good-stress-bad-stress-know-your-body-better
© Copyright 2020 PALM Centre

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© Copyright 2019 The Students' Union at UWE

https://www.thestudentsunion.co.uk/news/article/23899/World-Mental-Health-Day-2019/

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11/28/2021

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STRESS RESPONSE
1. Primary Appraisal – figuring out
the event.

2. Secondary Appraisal – assessment

of resources to handle the stressor.

Resilience
Gratitude Grit
Efficacy
Growth Optimism
Hope

CHARACTERISTICS OF STRESSORS
1. unpredictability of the event
2. intensity of the event
3. uncontrollability
4. pressure

Negative emotions
are NORMAL responses
to ABNORMAL EVENTS.

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Developing Healthy Thinking

UNHELPFUL MAKES YOU MAKES YOU
HELPFUL THOUGHTS
THOUGHTS FEEL FEEL
“This could have happened
to anyone.” realistic
angry accepting
“It’s unfair!”
vengeful “Sometimes bad things understanding
happen to good people.” reasonable

“Blaming people doesn’t

angry
change my situation.”
frustrate
“Because of them, accepting
vengeful
this happened!” “Others may be to blame, hopeful
accusing
but I need to focus on
mistrusting
myself and my family.”

Common Unhelpful Resulting Alternative Helpful New Emotional

Thoughts Emotion Thoughts Response

COPING
• “I should be coping • Helpless • “The fact I got here today • Less fearful
better.” • Incompetent proves I am coping a bit.” • More hopeful
• Fearful • “Talking to a counselor • Less helpless
helps me to cope better.” • Stronger
• “Most people would have • Competent
trouble after an event like • Open to seeking
this.” support/help
• “My reactions mean • Fearful • “These reactions are only • Reassured
I am going crazy.” • Worthless temporary.” • Capable
• Pessimistic • “Most people have these • Hopeful
reactions after a disaster.”

• Other people are • Worthless • “Most people react this • Reassured

dealing with this way for a while.” • Capable
better than I am. • My reaction reflects how • Stronger
So, what’s wrong big this event was, not how
with me? weak I am.”
• Only weak people
react the way I do.”

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS!!!

Do not SELF-DIAGNOSE
Do not SELF-MEDICATE
SEEK professional help

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