HANDLING STRESS

Patricia A. Vanderpool

Licensed Professional Counselor

Certified Employee Assistance Professional

EAP Lifestyle Management, LLC

What is stress?

Stress can occur in response to events or situations (called “stressors”) that, left unaddressed, can cause a disruption to our physical or psychological functioning. Left unchecked, over time, stress can disrupt your physical well-being. Some estimates indicate that a large percentage of illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by stress. This can lead to time off the job for stress-related problems and can also result in a significant decrease in productivity.

Examples of stressors

Stressors can be positive or negative. Not all stressors are bad. What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for someone else. If we perceive something as stressful, it is stressful. The following are some examples of stressors:

· Financial (financial difficulties, large and sudden financial gain, bankruptcy, difficulty paying bills)

· Daily interruptions (traffic, chores, waiting in lines)

· Family stressors (arguments, death, divorce or separation, drinking or drug problems, marriage, parenting issues, being single, family illness, caring for an older family member)

· Health (chronic pain, sleep problems, poor hearing or eyesight, being overweight, disease)

· Work-related (new responsibilities, retirement, difficulties with co-workers, perception or too much or not enough challenge at work)

· ….and many other life changes

Symptoms of stress

The symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional, and/or behavioral. We sometimes do not pay attention to our own limitations and so should listen to caring concerns expressed by others regarding our emotional and physical health and our behavior. The following are some examples of stress:



	HANDLING STRESS Patricia A. Vanderpool Licensed Professional Counselor Certified Employee Assistance Professional EAP Lifestyle Management, LLC What is stress? Stress can occur in response to events or situations (called “stressors”) that, left unaddressed, can cause a disruption to our physical or psychological functioning. Left unchecked, over time, stress can disrupt your physical well-being. Some estimates indicate that a large percentage of illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by stress. This can lead to time off the job for stress-related problems and can also result in a significant decrease in productivity. Examples of stressors Stressors can be positive or negative. Not all stressors are bad. What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for someone else. If we perceive something as stressful, it is stressful. The following are some examples of stressors: · Financial (financial difficulties, large and sudden financial gain, bankruptcy, difficulty paying bills) · Daily interruptions (traffic, chores, waiting in lines) · Family stressors (arguments, death, divorce or separation, drinking or drug problems, marriage, parenting issues, being single, family illness, caring for an older family member) · Health (chronic pain, sleep problems, poor hearing or eyesight, being overweight, disease) · Work-related (new responsibilities, retirement, difficulties with co-workers, perception or too much or not enough challenge at work) · ….and many other life changes Symptoms of stress The symptoms of stress can be physical, emotional, and/or behavioral. We sometimes do not pay attention to our own limitations and so should listen to caring concerns expressed by others regarding our emotional and physical health and our behavior. The following are some examples of stress: · Anger · Anxiety · Depression · Denial · Difficulty with decision-making · Concentration problems · Increased use of alcohol or drugs · Arguing with family, friends and co-workers · Overeating or under eating · Lack of interest in activities one enjoyed · Muscle soreness and tension · Stomach aches, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation · Chest pain · Fatigue · Racing Heartbeat · Headaches · Sleeping problems · Back pain