Stress Unit

Stress

The body's and mind's response to demand.

Stressors

The causes of stress.

Environmental stressors

Conditions/events in your physical/social environment that can cause stress.

Biological stressors

Making things difficult for your body that can cause stress.

Thinking stressors

Any type of mental challenges that can cause stress.

Behavioral stressors

Any unhealthy behavior activities that causes stress.

Life change stressors

Any major life changes that can cause positive/negative stress.

Eustress

Positive Stress that energizes you and helps you reach a goal.

Distress

Negative Stress that makes you sick or keeps you from reaching a goal.

General Adaptation Syndrome

Long Term Stress can make you sick.

Alarm Stage

Alarm Stage is when your body and mind become alert to stress.

Resistance Stage

Resistance Stage is when you become more resistant to disease and/or injury.

Exhaustion Stage

Exhaustion Stage is when your body can no longer resist stressors.

Epinephrine

In the Flight or Fight Response, your body releases Epinephrine which triggers changes such as breathing speeds up, muscles tense up, pupils dilate, digestion slows down and body becomes very alert.

What is an asset in the context of personal goals?

An asset is a skill or resource to help reach goals.

What does resiliency refer to?

Resiliency is the ability to recover from hardship and/or stressors.

Name three stress-reducing foods.

Oatmeal, oranges, spinach, black tea, fish, pistachios, almonds, avocados.

What are some health effects of stress?

Weak immune system, stomach ulcer, poor skin, weak heart, and muscle fatigue.

List common symptoms of stress.

Headache, back pain, sweating, fast heartbeat, upset stomach, stiff neck.

How can conflicts with beliefs or values contribute to stress?

You may value family life but can't spend time with family as you want.

What are some examples of major life changes that can cause stress?

Dealing with death, getting married, moving to a new city.

How can relationships contribute to stress?

Having problems with relationships or lack of friendship.

What emotional problems can arise from stress?

Anger you can't express, depression, grief, guilt, or low self-esteem.

How does chronic illness relate to stress?

Living with a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis can cause stress.

Is stress always a negative experience?

False, stress is usually thought of as a negative experience, but it can be a positive one.

Can stress be completely eliminated?

False, it is not possible to eliminate stress.

What is chronic stress?

Chronic stress is constant and persists over time.

What role does cortisol play in stress management?

Cortisol helps the body manage stress by converting sugar into energy.

What are physical symptoms of stress?

Muscle tension and muscle aches.

Is stress a natural reaction?

False, stress is not an unnatural reaction.

How can chronic stress affect addiction?

Chronically stressed people are more likely to develop addictions.

What physical activity can help a stressed person?

Exercising can stimulate endorphin release.

Bulimia

Control body weight/image by purging food

Binge/Purge cycle

Purging after eating foods; cycle repeats

Consequences of purging

Upsetting the chemical balance in the body

Effects of Bulimia on mental health

Feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Anorexia

Don't eat (starving), eat very little, low body weight, range 80-90 lbs, (addicting to exercising to burn calories)

Drivers of extreme behavior in Anorexics

Disturbed body image, to control their body image, seeing themselves as fat

Long-term effects on Anorexics

Starving takes its toll physically and mentally; problems develop

Importance of hospitalization for Anorexics

Stop the self-destructive behavior, become medically stable, professional counseling

Supporting a friend with an eating disorder

Be supportive, care for them, encourage them to get help, don't make fun of them

Causes of eating disorders

Obsessive self-scrutiny, frequent comparison to others' appearance, envy of friends/celebrities, negative events/bullying

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

A mental health problem where an individual is overly focused on a specific body part or obsessed with a perceived flaw in appearance, which may be minor or imagined.

What behaviors might a person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder exhibit?

They may spend hours trying to fix perceived flaws, frequently examine their appearance in mirrors, compare themselves to others, and avoid social situations or photos.

What are some common warning signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Obsessive self-scrutiny and constantly checking one's appearance.

What are some causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Low self-esteem, competition with others, and experiences of bullying.

Do body image concerns and eating disorders often occur together?

Yes, there is often a preoccupation with appearance that links body image concerns and eating disorders.

Can a person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder perceive themselves as overweight even if they are healthy?

Yes, their perception can be distorted, leading them to see themselves as overweight despite being within a healthy weight range.

What treatments are available for Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Treatment may include cognitive and physical therapy, as well as medications.

What is Muscular Dysmorphic Disorder?

A psychological disorder characterized by a preoccupation with the belief that one's body is not lean and muscular enough.

How does Body Dysmorphic Disorder affect social interactions?

Individuals may avoid social situations due to their concerns about appearance.

What role does self-esteem play in Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Low self-esteem is one of the contributing factors to the development of BDD.

What is the relationship between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and obsessive behaviors?

Individuals with BDD often engage in obsessive behaviors related to their appearance.

How might someone with Body Dysmorphic Disorder compare themselves to others?

They may constantly compare their appearance to that of others, often leading to dissatisfaction.

What is the subjective nature of body image in relation to Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body image is characterized by how someone perceives their body, which can be distorted in individuals with BDD.

What is the impact of bullying on Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Bullying can contribute to the development of low self-esteem and negative body image, which are risk factors for BDD.