Wellness, Stress, and Coping

Wellness, Stress, and Coping for HOSA SQE Behavioral Health Exam

1. Wellness

Definition

• Wellness is an active process of making choices toward a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It encompasses more than just the absence of illness; it includes:

  • Physical health

  • Mental health

  • Emotional health

  • Social health

  • Spiritual health

Dimensions of Wellness

• Physical: Involves exercise, nutrition, sleep, and regular medical check-ups.

• Emotional: Pertains to self-awareness, stress management, and coping with emotions.

• Social: Focuses on healthy relationships and support networks.

• Intellectual: Encourages lifelong learning and problem-solving skills.

• Spiritual: Relates to values, purpose, and meaning in life.

• Occupational: Involves job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Causes of Poor Wellness

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Poor nutrition

• Lack of sleep

• Substance use or abuse

• Chronic stress

• Social isolation

Effects of Poor Wellness

• Increased risk of chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity).

• Development of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).

• Lower quality of life and life expectancy.

Treatment / Interventions

• Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging changes in exercise, diet, and sleep hygiene.

• Counseling or Therapy: Aimed at achieving mental and emotional wellness.

• Stress Management Programs: Structured interventions to help manage stress.

• Health Education and Wellness Programs: Implemented in workplaces or schools.

Professionals Involved

• Primary care physicians

• Psychologists or counselors

• Dietitians/nutritionists

• Physical therapists and fitness trainers

• Social workers

Relevant Codes / Guidelines

• ICD-10 Codes: Z00–Z13 (Routine health checks and wellness encounters).

• Healthy People 2030 Objectives: Goals on promoting health and wellness.

2. Stress

Definition

• Stress is defined as the body’s response to perceived threats or challenges, which can manifest as physical, mental, or emotional stress.

Causes of Stress

• External Factors:

  • Work pressure

  • School demands

  • Life changes

  • Financial problems

  • Relationship conflicts

• Internal Factors:

  • Negative self-talk

  • Unrealistic expectations

  • Perfectionism

  • Chronic worry

• Physiological Factors:

  • Illness or injury

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Hormonal imbalances

Effects of Stress

• Short-term (Acute) Stress:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Enhanced adrenaline production

  • Heightened alertness and energy

  • Temporary emotional irritability or anxiety

• Long-term (Chronic) Stress:

  • Development of anxiety and depression

  • Cardiovascular disease risks

  • Weakened immune system

  • Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., IBS)

  • Sleep disorders

  • Cognitive difficulties (e.g., memory, concentration issues)

Treatment / Coping Strategies

• Behavioral Strategies:

  • Exercise

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Meditation

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Deep breathing exercises

• Cognitive Strategies:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Positive reframing

  • Stress journaling

• Social Support:

  • Seeking out friends and family or joining support groups.

• Medical Treatment:

  • For extreme stress-related symptoms, physicians may prescribe medications such as anxiolytics or antidepressants (especially if comorbid with depression/anxiety).

Professionals Involved

• Psychologists and licensed therapists (specializing in CBT and stress management programs).

• Psychiatrists (for medication management).

• Social workers (facilitating community support and resource navigation).

• Health coaches and wellness counselors.

Relevant Codes / Guidelines

• ICD-10 Codes: F43 (Reaction to severe stress, adjustment disorders).

• DSM-5 Codes: Adjustment Disorders (F43.20–F43.29).

3. Coping

Definition

• Coping refers to the cognitive and behavioral strategies that individuals employ to manage stress and challenging situations.

Types of Coping

• Problem-focused Coping: Directly addressing the problem causing stress (e.g., time management, conflict resolution).

• Emotion-focused Coping: Aiming to reduce emotional distress (e.g., mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, journaling).

• Avoidant / Maladaptive Coping: Involves ignoring or avoiding stressors, which may worsen outcomes (e.g., substance use, denial, overeating).

Effects of Effective Coping

• Results in reduced stress and anxiety.

• Promotes better emotional regulation.

• Leads to improved physical and mental health.

• Enhances personal resilience.

Effects of Poor Coping

• Chronic stress outcomes.

• Increased anxiety and depression.

• Higher risk of substance abuse.

• Poor social and occupational functioning.

Interventions / Treatments

• Teaching coping skills through therapy (examples include CBT, DBT, and stress management programs).

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions.

• Peer support groups or group therapy sessions.

• Utilization of biofeedback and relaxation techniques.

Professionals Involved

• Psychologists, counselors, and therapists specializing in coping mechanisms.

• Social workers, particularly in community or school settings.

• Psychiatrists if maladaptive coping leads to severe mental health disorders.

Relevant Codes / Guidelines

• DSM-5 Codes: for stress-related adjustment disorders.

• ICD-10 Codes: F43 for stress reactions and adjustment disorders.

Key HOSA SQE Takeaways

• Wellness is multidimensional; promoting it can significantly reduce mental and physical health risks.

• Stress has acute and chronic impacts; it is crucial to identify sources of stress.

• Coping strategies can be either adaptive or maladaptive; educating individuals on positive coping is a vital preventive measure.

• Important codes to know include ICD-10 Z00–Z13 (wellness) and F43 (stress and adjustment disorders).

• Professionals involved range from therapists to primary care providers, depending on the specific issues being addressed.