What Is Stress ?

Stress results from the inability of the body physiology to maintain balance or “ HOMEOSTASIS.”

The way our body and mind react to life changes.

Types of Stress

Acute Traumatic Stress :

• Critical Incident Stress produces considerable psychological distress
• A normal reaction to abnormal events

Post Traumatic Stress :

• Severe stress produced by severe psychological trauma created by unresolved Critical Incident Stress Produces lasting changes

Cumulative Stress :

• Stress builds up in your body. It becomes more difficult to alleviate your symptoms
• You may have more serious physical symptoms
• You may have more serious mental anguish

Symptoms of Stress

Short term effects of stress

• Dry mouth
• Cool skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Increased sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Faster heart rate
• Tense muscles
• Feelings of nausea
• Butterflies in your stomach
• Diarrhea
• A desire to urinate

Long term effects of stress

• Migraine
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Blood Pressure
• Constipation
• Mouth Ulcers
• Infertility
• Diabetes
• Joint Pain
• Dementia

BEHAVIORAL STRESS SYMPTOMS

• Emotional
• Defensive
• Irritable
• Irrational
• Defensive
• Hostile
• Critical
• Talking too fast
• Talking too loud
• Nail biting
• Grinding teeth
• Drumming fingers
• Over reacting

PERFORMANCE STRESS SYMPTOMS

• You may not make good decisions
• Your fine motor skills are affected
• You may no longer enjoy your work
• Your attention span may be affected
• You may have more negative thoughts
• Your self confidence will suffer
• You may have difficulty concentrating
• All of your positive energy is consumed