Stress & Suicide
v Stress –the body’s physical and psychological response to traumatic or challenging situation
· a combination of a stressor and a stress response.
Ø Acute stress- short lived
Ø Chronic stress – over longer periods of time- can lead to illness
v Stressor – any new or potentially unpleasant situation.
· ***Can be real or imagined – anticipated or unexpected**
v Stress response – the mind and the body’s reaction to a stressor
Ø Only when a stressor causes a stress response then stress occurs.
Eustress – a positive stress
Distress – a negative stress
***Perception- is the act of becoming aware through the senses – how you see things***
v Stressors can occur from anything
Ø Family changes
Ø School events
Ø Money
Ø Many involve self-esteem
Ø Daily hassles
Ø Life events
Ø Relationships
Ø Environment – feeling safe – lack of privacy
Ø Inner conflict – making decisions
3 Stages
v 1. Alarm -“Fight –or-Flight” – either you stay and respond or you leave.
v If the brain finds the stressor harmful these occur
Ø More blood to the brain
Ø Heart beat faster
Ø Blood pressure increases
Ø More blood goes to the arms & More blood to the legs
Ø Hearing improves
Ø Pupils enlarge, mouth dries
Ø Sweating increase
Ø Adrenal gland secretes adrenaline (energy hormone)
Ø Muscles tense up
2. Resistance – body continues to devote energy to maintain the physiological response to that threat
3. Exhaustion Stage – wear & tear on the body – risk of illness or injury
v Illnesses that may be caused by stress
1. Cold and flu
2. Tension headaches
3. Backaches
4. TMJ syndrome
5. Coronary heart disease
6. High blood pressure – a condition which the blood pushes harder than normal against the inside of the blood vessel
7. Chronic fatigue
8. Mental illness
The systems that are effected by stress
Nervous system – nerves sending messages throughout the body getting it ready for a response
Endocrine system – release of Epinephrine (Adrenaline – hormone prepares the body to react during stress) & nonepinephrine – (works opposite of adrenaline)
Cardiovascular System – increase heart rate and higher blood pressure
Immune system – production of lymphocytes – T-cells and B-cells – fight infections
Reproduction system – Cortisol – decrease hormone levels
v If you are physically threatened then you responded physically
v If you can’t release stress in a physical way you may become physically sick.
v 60 – 80 % of all physical and mental disorders are related to stress.
v Defense Mechanism – strategies used to deal with stressful situations
Physical signs of stress
Headaches dry mouth teeth grinding
Shortness of breath pounding heart indigestion
Diarrhea constipation muscle aches
Weight change fatigue insomnia
Emotional signs
Anxiety frustration mood swings
Depression irritability nightmares
Nervous laugh worrying confusion
loneliness
Cognitive signs
Memory problems Forgetfulness
poor concentration
Behavior Problems
Interpersonal conflict – lashing out at others due to stress- can be violent
Unhealthy lifestyle choices – more likely to engage in dangerous behavior
Depression – an emotional state characterized by a feeling of worthlessness and a lack of interest in daily life.
Can cause change in hormonal levels causing a lower level of energy, reduce appetite, & difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of Depression
Deep Sadness Apathy Fatigue
Agitation Sleep Disturbances Weight change
Lack of Concentration Feeling of worthlessness Morbid Thoughts
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a mental disorder that is a result from an extremely stressful event.
Symptoms include:
Nightmares
Feeling detached
Lack of interest
Avoiding people or situations
Difficulty sleeping
MANAGING YOUR STRESS
Stress Intervention – any action that prevents a stressor from resulting in negative consequences
Try to eliminate any stressors by figuring out a possible solution before it occurs.
Selective awareness – focusing on the aspects of the situation that help a person feel better (think positively)
There are two types of personalities
Type A – competitive, rushed, time oriented, etc
Type B – flexible, relaxed, less rushed
Stress is how you look at it – glass half empty or half full
Beta-endorphins – substance produced in the brain – feeling of well-being
Exercises produces beta-endorphins
Using physical exercise – ready for something physical to work out the tension
Ways of managing stress
Ø Physical health – physical activity
Ø Support group – a group of people who trust each other and are able to talk to each other about their problems.
Ø Spiritual life
Ø Professional help
Ø Time management – rearranging one’s time in an effective manner
Ø Keep a budget
Ø Set limits
Ø Positive attitude
Ø Distract yourself
Ø Write in a journal – may produce t- helper cells
Ø Eat Well – plenty of vit. B & C (helps nervous system and immune system)
Ø Get plenty of rest and Sleep
Relaxation techniques
ü Meditation – focusing on something that is repetitive
ü Progressive relaxation – tensing on part of your body then relaxing it.
ü Body scanning – imagining that the part of your body that is relaxed is generating the rest of the body to relax
ü Autogenic training – imagining that your arms and legs feel heavy, warm, & tingly then relax them
ü Imagery – sitting quietly and think of certain calming images
ü Laughing – thinking of something really funny or see, hearing it
ü Yelling or crying – release of stress
Other Mental Illnesses or Disorders
Anxiety – feeling scared, worried, anxious about a situation
Can cause Panic Attacks – intense fear of something
Phobias – extreme anxiety about a specific something
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD
Bipolar Disorder- experience periods of intense depression causing metal or physical
hyperactive moods
Schizophrenia – characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and irregular thoughts
Personality Disorder – disregard of rules and impulsive behavior
Autism spectrum Disorder – (ASD)- typically has problems with interpersonal
interactions
ADD or ADHD – difficulty paying attention
Eating Disorders
Addictions
Self-injury – person harms themselves – cutting
Cause of Mental Illnesses
Genetics
Brain Injury
Environment during pregnancy
Traumatic life experiences
Suicide
Risk Factors of Suicide:
Family history
Environmental – abuse, neglect, bullied
Suicidal Tendencies
Characteristics
Depression Aggressive behavior
Perfectionistic behavior Feeling of hopelessness
Low self-esteem In-adequate social skills
Mental disorders Hidden anger
Clinical Depression – long-lasting feelings of hopelessness, sadness, & helplessness
4 Causes of Long-lasting Anger or Depression
1. Inability to cope with a life crisis
2. Illness
3. Family history
4. Alcohol & other drug use
a. Alcohol increases feelings, making things worse
Life Crisis – an experience that cause high levels of stress
5 Stages of Emotional Response to Cope
1. Denial – refusing to believe what is happening
2. Anger – about the situation
3. Bargaining – making promises, hoping that it will change what is happening
4. Depression – when you recognize that the outcome is not going to change
5. Acceptance – to what is happening, adjust, & bounce back
Suicide – is the intentional taking of one’s own life
Some think of it as:
Ways to escape problems
Gain attention
Getting even
Suicide CANNOT BE UNDONE!!!!
Parasuicide – is a suicide in which a person does not intend to die
Suicide Prevention Strategies
1. Look for warning signs
2. Listen w/o giving advice
3. Take threat seriously
4. Ask if they have a specific plan
5. Do NOT be sworn to secrecy
6. Call responsible adult immediately
7. Stay with person until help arrives
Treatment
Family therapy
Support groups
Medication
Inpatient treatment
8 Steps to Being Resilient
1. Work on relationships with members of your Family
2. Develop a close relationship with a mentor
3. Choose friends who are supportive and responsible
4. Do not put off dealing with difficult situations
5. Avoid of choosing harmful behaviors
6. Ask for support when you need it
7. Discuss available support groups
8. Be involved in school & community activities