ABOUT STRESS

Stress is the body's physical, emotional and mental response to change-positive or negative-that occurs in life. When change occurs, be it an examination, a car accident, acceptance to grad school or falling in love, certain hormones are released in our bodies. We are all aware of the stress reaction ("fight or flight")-tensed muscles, racing pounding heartbeat, quickened breathing, maybe even a "rush" and increased mental alertness. We are empowered and ready to meet the challenge! This is good.

Normally, when we have met the challenge, the response subsides and our bodies return to normal. However, much modern stress is ongoing and doesn't call for immediate action so without our realization, we continue in a state of unresolved stress. The changes which empower us to action start to take their toll. Exhaustion, troubled mental states, perhaps even physical illness may occur. This is bad.

Stress is a constant in our lives. It can be positive or negative. It has to do with life situations and our perceptions (a blessing or a curse, an overwhelming obstacle or a welcome challenge)-each person's experience of stress will be unique. Too little stress and our lives are boring. Too much and we are overwhelmed.

Each of us has a level of stress which we can tolerate and on which we thrive. When that level is exceeded, whether by a crisis or just one too many small stressors (the straw that broke the camel's back), we begin to experience negative effects.

Signs of Stress:

• Physical things-dry mouth, nervous cough, frequent sighing, messing with hair or nails
• Problems eating or sleeping
• Sense of boredom, fatigue, "the blahs," or depression
• Overpowering urges to cry (for "no reason") or to hide (saying no when friends want to play)
• Trouble with concentration, organization, decision-making
• Anger, irritability, resentment
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Any physical or mental change with no apparent cause

Each of us has our own personal stress management techniques-our own coping styles. Sometimes what worked for us in the past becomes less effective as our lives become more complex. If we see the above signs of stress in ourselves, it may be that our present techniques are not working well enough. This can be the signal to learn something new-it never hurts to get a new tool or to polish up an old one. Ideas to deal with stress include reading stress management books and articles, taking classes and seminars on stress and time management, talking with a friend, a counselor or other health care provider, keeping yourself healthy through good nutrition, adequate sleep, moderate use of alcohol (none may be an even better choice), and daily exercise. Questions regarding this and other health matters may be addressed to personnel at the Student Health Center at (775)784-6598.

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