Stress can be defined as a state where a person is subjected to external forces or pressures and can be either positive or negative depending on the effect of this force. Stress is however associated more likely to the negative meaning of ‘distress’. Stress is then the combination of physiological and psychological reactions of the body when it is subjected to heavy demands.
Stress has two basic components:
a) The stress agents or factors: Circumstances which lead to stress
b) The responses to stress: Individual’s reactions to the stress factors
The effects of the stress are related to the strength of the individual and the weight of the burden, i.e. although a state of alarm is meant to prepare our bodies for resistance, if it continues for too long, it can actually cause a state of exhaustion. We can then conclude that any program that addresses the program of stress must then:
a. Seek to strengthen the individual
b. Strive the lighten the burden
A person’s attitude towards the stressful event and how he judges the situation is important since control of stress depends largely upon our interpretation of events.
STAGES OF STRESS
Since the human body has the ability to detect a series of signals that indicate danger stress is never a surprise attack hence it passes through stages:
1. The Alarm Stage: This is a clear warning that a stress agent is present. Once a person notices the potential stressful situation he/she can take a measures to face the problem and it before it materializes.
When the stressful situation becomes situation becomes overwhelming the person realizes that no more strength is left, this can be classified as being in the alarm stage.
Things which produce alarm can be:
a. Single in nature, that is, there is only one source of stress
b. Multiple in nature, that is, several circumstances combined to create stress
2. Resistance Stage: this is when extends beyond initial alarm stage. The individual becomes frustrated and suffers as a result of stress. He then realizes that is losing a lot of energy and that his production level is lower. Fear of failure makes success even less likely. He wants to but realistically it is impossible.
3. Exhaustion Stage: this is the final stage in stress. It is characterized by fatigue, anxiety and depression. These three factors may occur sequentially or simultaneously. Fatigue; it is not relievable by a good nights sleep. It is normally accompanied by nervousness, irritability, tension and anger.
Anxiety: any person becomes anxious not only when faced with a stress factor but in moments which would normally produce any anxiety.
Depression: this means that a person lacks motivation necessary to find pleasure to find pleasure in his or her activities. He or she suffers from sleeplessness, her thoughts are pessimistic and her feelings become more and more negative.
Stress responses : all alarm signals sent to the brain are processed in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus transmits these signals to the rest of the body through the nervous and circulatory systems.
Nervous System
Signals produced by the hypothalamus are sent to the sympathetic nervous system which regulates the organic functions. These stimuli produce alterations in the way that the organs function. The nervous signals also reach the core of the adrenal glands producing an increase in secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline. These then pass to the blood and produce changes in the rest of the body.
Circulatory System:
The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland. These secrete various hormones which once in the bloodstream, affect the entire body. Adrenocorticotrophin hormone for example also known as the stress hormone the outer layer of the adrenal gland pour out a group of hormones e.g. Cortisol which cause a number of changes in bodily functions. Other hormones secreted affect the thyroid gland, the testis and ovaries and have enormous effects on many organs.
Psychological Responses
These are the responses to stress which have to do with the mental and behavioral processes. Some of the psychological responses may include:
a. Loss of intellectual capacity d. Anxiety
b. Irritability e. Inhibited sexual desire
c. Insomnia f. Depression
It is however unlikely that anyone will suffer all these manifestations. At the same time it is possible to have one or two dominant symptoms. When there is too much stress the following occurs:
Cognitive Area (thoughts and Ideas)
• Difficulty in concentration on a demanding activity and a frequent loss of attention.
• Short-term and long-term memory decrease.
• Problems that need spontaneous response are solved haphazardly
• Problems requiring logical thinking are solved with higher than normal errors.
• The mind is unable to accurately analyze and evaluate present situations
• Thinking does not follow logical and coherent thought patterns
Emotional area (feelings and emotions)
• Difficulty relaxing physically and emotionally.
• In addition to normal illnesses (physical) new illnesses are suspected.
• Development of impatience, intolerance, authoritarianism and lack of consideration for others.
• Ethical and moral principles which govern the life relax and there is less self control.
• Increased discouragement and minimizing desire to live.
• Thoughts of worthlessness and inferiority
Behavioral area (attitudes and behaviors)
• Inability to verbally address a group of people satisfactorily. Stuttering.
• Lack of enthusiasm for preferred activities such as hobbies.
• Absenteeism from work and school
• Energy levels fluctuate day by day.
• Sleep patterns change. Insomnia increases to levels of extreme deprivation
• The tendency towards suspicion increases
• The appearance of tics and strange reactions which are normally a part of the person.
• Thoughts of suicide increase along with suicide attempts.
How to prevent stress
• Exercise and rest: Helps in getting sleep. In addition, physical exercise is the best way to break loose.
• Eating healthy: certain dietary are linked to stress e.g. eating too much or too little, eating hurriedly and at any hour. Drinking a lot of water helps to control stress.
• Decreased use or stimulants and socially acceptable drugs as they increase stress e.g. coffee, tea, alcohol or cigarettes.
• Living or visiting beautiful surroundings makes your mood better.
• Relaxation from work and spending time with family or friends.
• Having a positive attitude.
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