THE THREE STAGES OF STRESS

Once under the influence of a stressor, people’s bodies respond in remarkably similar, predictable ways.  For example, when asked to give a speech for a class, your heart rate may increase, your throat becomes dry, palms sweat, and you may feel lightheaded, dizzy, and nauseous.  If an individual lost her or his job or discovered that her or his partner wanted to terminate their relationship, s/he might experience similar sensations.  It is clear that different stressors are able to evoke these common physical reactions.

Selye described the typical physical response to a stressor in his general adaptation syndrome model.

HOW WE RESPOND TO STRESS

When we are stressed, we react in specific ways.  The stress response is the result of learned and conditioned habits adopted early in life as a way of coping with problems, conflict and disruptive events.  But many of our responses to stress are innate, basic human survival mechanisms left over from our primordial roots.  In prehistoric times, the best response to perceived danger, such as a seeing a saber-tooth-tiger coming your way, might be to either fight the animal or to run away.

WHAT IS STRESS?

How do you know when you are stressed?  You might experience headaches, stomach, aches, or back and neck aches, or you might feel irritable, tired, anxious, and depressed.  Some people eat more, while others find eating difficult when they are stressed.  Stress refers to physiological and emotional responses to a significant or unexpected change or disruption in one’s life.  It can be brought on by real or imagined factors or events.

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

Assess how effective and healthy your style of communication is by considering the following questions:

·         Do you know the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior?

·         Do you use assertive language such as “I” statements rather than “you” statements?

·         Do you have assertive body language such as making eye contact and keeping an open body posture without crossing your arms in front of you?

·         Are aware of your nonverbal communication?

·         Are you aware of the volume and tone of your voice and the message you might be conveying?

·         Do you acknowledge the other person’s feelings and point of view before stating your own?

·         Do you feel comfortable saying “no” to requests?

·         Do you feel comfortable asking for someone’s help, disagreeing with someone, or giving your opinion about something?

Having a positive and effective communication style is an important aspect of psychological health and can have a significant impact on your relationships, success at work, and your self-worth.  Learn to be more optimistic in your attitude and communication by considering the characteristics of an optimist.

A NEW PROBLEM………..INTERNET ADDICTION

The internet has changed the way we work, socialize and educate ourselves.  While the internet has provided connections that otherwise could not be made very easily with people all around the world, it has also created unique psychological problems for some individuals.  There is some question about the psychological implications the Internet may be having on our society as we are moving from a world in which we used to know our neighbors and interact with people face to face to developing serious and deep relationships with people from a distance. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH: A FINAL THOUGHT

As you can see, psychological health involves how your emotions, thoughts, and behavior interplay with each other and with the world around you.  There is an important mind-body connection in terms of your psychological health having a significant impact on your physical health and vice versa.  Psychological health is not just the absence of mental illness, and there is a range or continuum of psychological health.  Possessing a positive self-concept, developing high self-esteem, and cultivating an optimistic attitude towards life can promote psychological health and enhance relationships with others.  While heredity plays a role in the development of personality and psychological health, environmental factors and stressors seem to have an equally important role.  As people age and come across developmental milestones, they encounter new challenges, obstacles, and resources in continuing to maintain their psychological health.

REFLECTIONS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

What characterized people who have developed their psychological health to their highest potential?  The following discussion suggests three areas in which psychological health is evident.  These include (1) movement toward fulfilling the highest level of need (as defined by Maslow), (2) development of a mature level of spirituality, and (3) expression of creativity.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow has been among the significant contributors to the understanding of personality and psychological health.  Central to Maslow’s contribution to twentieth century American psychological thought is his view of psychological health in terms of the individual’s attempt to meet inner needs, what he called the hierarchy of needs.