Chapter 3: Stress

Two parts: Stressor - Situation/event that triggers physical/emotional reactions Stress response - The reaction to the stressor Therefore, stress is the general physiological/emotional state the accompanies the stress response

Spinal cord, nerves, brain

Controls the body process’ that are not under conscious supervision (breathing, heart rate, digestion)

Parasympathetic division and the sympathetic division

In control when you are relaxed, digests food, stores energy, promotes growth.

In control during arousal/emergency, releases non-epinephrine that stimulates alertness

Glands, tissues, cells

• Releases hormones into the blood stream • Sent to the hypothalamus then pituitary where ACTH is created and sent into the blood stream • ACTH to adrenal glands which releases cortisol (steroid that preps the body) and epinephrine (adrenaline and physical changes)

Begin in homeostasis (normal, parasympathetic in control) Stressor causes fight or flight Return back to homeostasis

Heart/respiration accelerate to spread O2 around the body Hearing/vision become more acute Liver releases sugar into the blood stream to give an extra boost of energy Perspiration increases to cool the skin Brain releases endorphin’s that inhibit/block pain in case you’re injured

Parasympathetic division is in control, bodily functions are normal and injuries are healed.

Described as controlling, aggressive, ultra-competitive, easily stressed out, have explosive reactions to stressors

Described as relaxed, contemplative, are less frustrated and can handle others well

Described as having difficulty expressing emotion, feel hopeless/despair, exaggerated response to stressors

Described as distressed, feel (but not express) negative feelings, avoid social contact, very anxious

Stressors come at us all the time causing us to always be in the fight-or-flight response which is damaging to our mental/physical health.

A response to stress that allows one to become more social, nurturing to others. Connected to the ‘hug’ hormone oxytoxin.

A popular response to stressors that includes making yourself present/in the moment and to slow down, step back and enjoy.

• Nonreactive resilience: person doesn’t react to stressor • Homeostatic resilience: Person reacts strongly but returns to homeostasis quickly • Positive growth resilience: Person learns/grows from experiences

Clashing cultural backgrounds, gender, personal experiences

Build social support, contribute to community, develop life skills, set reasonable expectations, trust others, know your limits, don’t control every outcome.

Major life changes, daily hassles, post secondary stressors, social stressors, environmental stressors, internal stressors, job related stress.

There is eustress and distress but our physical response is the same for both. • Alarm - initial stressor when the body begins to prep • Resistance - Continued stress that changes the bodies homeostasis • First two stages are exhausting, the prolonged stress causes a burnout/serious illness

Eustress