Stress…..What Exactly is Stress?

Stress is like a superhero's arch-nemesis, always there to ruin your day and make you feel like you're about to snap like a twig. But just like how Superman always finds a way to defeat Lex Luthor, you can always find ways to manage and overcome stress. So, don't let it get the best of you, take a deep breath, and remember, "With great stress comes great responsibility to take care of yourself.”

How do you know if you are experiencing increased stress?

There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate that a person is experiencing stress. These can include:

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

• Behavioral symptoms such as procrastination, neglecting responsibilities, and engaging in unhealthy habits such as overeating or substance abuse

• Cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and racing thoughts

It's important to note that everyone experiences stress differently, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms.

How does stress affect the body?

Stress can have a wide range of effects on the human body, both physically and emotionally. According to research, chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

In terms of the physiological response to stress, the "fight or flight" response is activated when a person perceives a threat. This response is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, preparing the body to respond to the perceived threat.

The Polyvagal theory, proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the social engagement system interact to regulate the physiological state of the body in response to different environmental and internal conditions. The theory suggests that when a person experiences stress, the ANS shifts from a state of social engagement to a state of "fight or flight" or "freeze" response, which can disrupt social interactions, emotional regulation, and may lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, breathing rate, and muscle tension.

The theory also suggests that when the ANS shifts to a state of "freeze" or "immobility" response, the individual may experience a shutdown of physiological functions, feelings of helplessness, and dissociation, which can be a sign of chronic stress or trauma.

Overall, stress can affect the body in many ways, and it is important to be aware of the signs of stress and to manage it effectively to avoid negative effects on physical and emotional well-being.

Stress Test Instructions:

Below is a list of common stressors. For each item, please indicate how much stress it has caused you over the past month on a scale of 0-4.

0 - No stress 1 - A little stress 2 - Moderate stress 3 - A lot of stress 4 - Extreme stress

Please indicate the frequency of each stressor over the past month. 0 - Never 1 - Rarely 2 - Occasionally 3 - Frequently 4 - Almost always

Add the stress score and frequency score for each item and multiply by the weighting factor for each item.

Add up the total score for all items to get your overall stress score.

Stressors:

1.      Work or school demands (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

2.      Financial problems (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

3.      Relationship problems (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

4.      Personal health concerns (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

5.      Major life changes (weighting factor: 1) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

6.      Loss of loved one (weighting factor: 3) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

7.      Trauma or abuse (weighting factor: 3) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

8.      Legal problems (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

9.      Discrimination or harassment (weighting factor: 2) Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

10.  Other (please specify): ________________________ Stress score: _____ Frequency score: _____ Total score: _____

Overall stress score: _____

If you would like to know more about your overall stress score and how you to manage your stress, contact our office.