Stress & Coping

What is stress? This subject, po.

What is health according to W.H.O?

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmiy.

What is well-being?

A subjective state that emerges from a general feeling of satisfaction with oneself; a condition of good health, happiness, and prosperity.

What is mental health according to W.H.O?

A state of well-being in which an individual can…

1. Realize their own potential

2. Cope with the normal stresses of life

3. Work productively and fruitfully

4. Contribute to their community

What are the 10 characteristics of people with good mental health?

They…

1. Are at peace with themselves

2. Manifest emotional control

3. Cope adequately with life stressors

4. Adjust to new or novel situations

5. Know their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations

6. Have adequate feelings of security

7. Have realistic life goals

8. Have smooth interpersonal relationships

9. Conform to social norms and standards

10. Satisfy their needs adequately and appropriately

What is stress?

A natural and physiological response to the demands of our environment.

What are the three indicators of stress?

1. Increased tension, anxiety, and restlessness or fidgeting

2. Increased aggression, irritability, and hostility

3. Inability to do routine tasks, and dismissed ability to solve problems or make decisions

What are causes of stress or stressors?

1. Physical (pollution, congestion, noise, change of routine, fatigue, pain, etc.)

2. Mental (academic overload, review, disorganization, class participation, running after deadlines, situations that call for sustained effort, etc.)

3. Social + Emotional + Psychological (all involve a lack of people and/or support)

4. Economic

5. Spiritual (loss of joy, peace, disturbance of tranquility, and shaken beliefs)

6. Crisis/Conflict

What is a crisis or conflict?

Disequilibrium or the feeling to choose between two different things.

What are the three kinds of conflict or dilemmas?

1. Approach-approach (both desirable)

2. Avoidance-avoidance (both undesirable)

3. Approach-avoidance (both are positive and negative)

What are three coping strategies to manage stress?

1. Problem-focused (directly deals with the situation’s demands)

2. Emotion-focused (manages the stress, not the problem itself; you deny that a feeling exists)

3. Seeking social support (comfort, scholarships, donations, etc.)