MEDGULF CONSTRUCTION COMPANY W.L.L / P.O.

BOX 3603 / Tel: +974-4446 3000 Fax: +974 4443 3586

HSE Bulletin MG-HSE-BULLETIN-04-2020

“Workplace Stress”
Stress has been defined in different ways over the years. Originally, it was conceived of as pressure from
the environment, then as strain within the person. The generally accepted definition today is one of
interaction between the situation and the individual. It is the psychological and physical state that results
when the resources of the individual are not sufficient to cope with the demands and pressures of the
situation. Thus, stress is more likely in some situations than others and in some individuals than others.
Stress can undermine the achievement of goals, both for individuals and for organizations.
The Problem of Stress:
1. For the individual. Threats to: For the workplace / organization
Health Increased absenteeism and turnover
Wellbeing/quality of life Reduced quantity and quality of work
Functioning/goal achievement Reduced job satisfaction and morale
Self-esteem/confidence Problems of recruitment
Personal development Poor communication and increased conflict
Signs of stress can be seen in people’s behaviour, especially in changes in behaviour. Acute responses to
stress may be in the areas of feelings (for example, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue), behaviour (for
example, being withdrawn, aggressive, tearful, unmotivated), thinking (for example, difficulties of
concentration and problem solving) or physical symptoms (for example, palpitations, nausea, headaches). If
stress persists, there are changes in neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, autonomic and immunological
functioning, leading to mental and physical ill health (for example anxiety, depression, heart disease)
Signs of Stress:
2.
How you feel (emotions) How you think (cognitions)
Anxious Poor concentration and memory
Depressed/tired Poor organization and decision making
Angry/irritable/frustrated Less creative in problem solving
Apathetic/bored Hypersensitive to criticism
Avoiding others Poor communication and increased conflict
How you behave Your body
Have accidents/make mistakes Sweating, dizzy, nauseous, breathless, headaches
Eating/sleeping problems Aches, pains and tense of muscles
Take drugs (e.g. tobacco, Frequent infections, Insomnia, chest pain and rapid
alcohol) heartbeat,
Delaying and avoiding Asthma, ulcers, skin complaints, cardiac problems,
responsibilities Nervousness and shaking.
Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak
As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world, it is inducing a considerable degree of fear,
worry and concern in the population. In public mental health terms, the main psychological impact to date is
elevated rates of stress or anxiety.

But as new measures and impacts are introduced – especially quarantine and its effects on many people’s
usual activities, routines or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use,
and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.

As part of its public health response, WHO has worked with partners to develop a set of new materials on the
mental health and psychosocial support aspects of COVID-19, see in page 2.
(Disclaimer: Some of the text and images in this document has been derived randomly from the website: using Google , e.g.
www.occenvmed.com, and World Health Organization WHO).

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MEDGULF CONSTRUCTION COMPANY W.L.L / P.O. BOX 3603 / Tel: +974-4446 3000 Fax: +974 4443 3586

HSE Bulletin MG-HSE-BULLETIN-04-2020

Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak. (World Health Organization)

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people
you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.

If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle - including proper diet, sleep, exercise and
social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends.

Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed,
talk to a health worker or counsellor. Have a plan, where to go to and how to seek help for
physical and mental health needs if required.

Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you
can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as WHO website
or, a local or state public health agency.

Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening
to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.

Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life’s
adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time
of this outbreak.

Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCOV outbreak (WHO)

Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious,
withdrawing, angry or agitated, bedwetting etc. Respond to your child’s reactions in a
supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra love and attention.

Children need adults’ love and attention during difficult times. Give them extra time and
attention. Remember to listen to your children, speak kindly and reassure them. If possible,
make opportunities for the child to play and relax.

Try and keep children close to their parents and family and avoid separating children and their
caregivers to the extent possible. If separation occurs (e.g. hospitalization) ensure regular
contact (e.g. via phone) and re-assurance.

Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible, or help create new ones in a new
environment, including school/learning as well as time for safely playing and relaxing.

Provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now and give them clear
information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they
can understand depending on their age.

This also includes providing information about what could happen in a re-assuring way (e.g. a
family member and/or the child may start not feeling well and may have to go to the hospital for
some time so doctors can help them feel better).
(Disclaimer: Some of the text and images in this document has been derived randomly from the website: using Google , e.g.
www.occenvmed.com, and World Health Organization (WHO).

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