Stress Stress is a normal part of life that everyone experiences from time to time. Stress is the body’s response to a demand, challenge or threat. When you are stressed, stress hormones are released to alert and prepare the body. This response is often known as the, “fight, flight or freeze response”, which can occur within minutes, hours or days. Stressors can be a single event, happen repeatedly or accumulate over time. Stress responses or triggers may be due to running late, getting stuck in traffic, responsibilities or pressures at work or school, relationship, health or money issues, arguments, sudden or major life changes or traumatic experiences. Everyone experiences stress differently. Stress can have physical, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal responses depending upon each person and the particular stressor. Physical, Emotional, behavioral and interpersonal responses may include: 1 Headaches Dizziness Low Energy Loss of Sleep Sleeping too much 2 Feeling overwhelmed Lack of control Difficulty relaxing Unable to focus Easily frustrated, Moody or upset Scattered, racing thoughts Constant worrying or uneasiness 3 Heart rate increases Blood pressure increases 4 Breathing rate rises 5 Blood sugar level rises 6 Loss of appetite Upset Stomach Weight Loss Weight Gain 7 Aches & Pains Not all stress is bad, there are times when stress can be good, such as surviving a dangerous situation or preparing for a test, interview or athletic event. However, if stress is left unmanaged it can cause serious health issues, for instance depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Quick Facts 33%of people feelextreme stress 77%feels stress has some impactson physical health 73%of people’s experiencemental health impacts 48%of people feelreport sleep issues 43%of people who experience high amounts of stressincreased risk of dying 182,000Americans dieprematurely fromthinking “stress is bad” Stress Tools Stress management is important as it helps you maintain focus, energy and alertness to rise up above pressures and challenges. Preventing and managing your stress can lower risks for health conditions, improve sleep, mood, interactions with family and friends, weight control and muscle tension. The goal is to establish a balance with relationships, work, fun, relaxation and resilience. When you are undergoing a lot of stress, it is vital to notice its affects and learn best practices to manage your stress. Stress Assessment Tool Perceived Stress Scale: Questions regarding your feelings and thoughts to help identify your perceived stress levels. https://www.das.nh.gov/wellness/docs/percieved%20stress%20scale.pdf WHERE TO GET HELP Always reach to get help if you are suffering from high amounts of stress, severe symptoms or unmanaged stress or feelings. Your Health care provider can refer you to a mental health professional (i.e. psychologist or social worker) Military OneSource https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/ Sources https://www.das.nh.gov/wellness/docs/percieved%20stress%20scale.pdf https://www.mhanational.org/finding-therapy https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ https://988lifeline.org/ Medline Plus Manage Stress
