Impact of Stress on Health and Patient Care

Delivery: Impact of Stress on Health, Disease and Illness, Care of Patient During Stress

• The presentation is titled "Impact of Stress on Health, Disease and Illness, Care of Patient During Stress"
• It was delivered by Ms. Lois Stephanas on October 10, 2024.
• Group members include Natasha Bovell, Fiona Phillips, Shannon Haynes, and Kissandra Boodie-Solomon.

Objectives

• Define stress
• Present types of stress
• Examine the causes of stress
• Describe the effects of stress on the body
• Explore stress-management strategies
• Examine a tool for assessing stress
• Provide a practical scenario on stress

Introduction

• Stress is a natural bodily response to challenging situations.
• It can stem from diverse sources, triggering a fight-or-flight response.
• Stress in measured amounts can be beneficial, enabling the body's adaptation mechanisms.
• Chronic stress, however, is linked to various health problems, including mental health issues, cardiovascular problems, immune function problems, and gastrointestinal issues.

Definition of Terms

• Stress is a state of worry or mental tension due to challenging situations.
• Illness occurs when a body part or organ malfunctions.
• Health is defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or sickness.
• A patient is someone who receives medical treatment.
• A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the structure or function of the body.

Classification of Stress Types

• Acute stress is short-term, positive or negative. Examples include amusement park rides or arguments.
• Episodic acute stress occurs repeatedly, making it difficult to relax. Healthcare workers often experience this.
• Chronic stress is long-term, due to factors like marriage issues, job problems, or money problems.

Cause of Stress: Work-Related

• Job dissatisfaction leads to chronic stress.
• Heavy workloads and responsibilities cause feelings of overwhelm.
• Ineffective management, unclear expectations, or feelings of undervaluing can increase stress.
• Job insecurity, concerning potential job loss or lack of advancement, increases anxiety.

Cause of Stress: Life Events

• Major life changes, whether positive or negative, can be stressful.
• Grief from bereavement is a profound stressor.
• Divorce or relationship problems cause substantial emotional upheaval.
• Financial difficulties, like increased obligations or job losses, can lead to chronic stress.
• Health conditions also negatively impact physical and mental well-being.

Cause of Stress: Environmental and Psychological

• Environmental stressors include noise, overcrowding, and traumatic events (e.g., natural disasters or violence).
• Constant exposure to negative news or uncertainty can heighten anxiety.
• Unrealistic expectations can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and stress.
• Past traumas or negative experiences can shape current reactions to stress.

Effects of Stress on Health

• Physical: Headache, muscle tension, chest pain, fatigue, changes in sex drive, stomach upset, sleep problems, decreased immune function.
• Mood: Anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation, memory problems, feeling overwhelmed, grumpiness, anger, sadness, or depression.
• Behavioural: Overeating or undereating, angry outbursts, substance misuse, avoiding friends and socializing, and reduced exercise.

The Body's Response to Stress: The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• GAS, by Hans Selye, describes the body's physiological response to stress, as three stages.
• The Alarm stage is characterized by the fight-or-flight response. This involves increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased energy.
• The Resistance stage is when the body tries to adapt, lower stress hormones, and return to normal heart rate and blood pressure. This includes heightened vigilance and difficulty concentrating.
• The Exhaustion stage occurs when the body's ability to cope with stress is diminished, and it may result in fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Methods of Managing Stress

• Deep breathing triggers a relaxation response and reduces tension.
• Mindfulness meditation lets thoughts flow freely, focussing on breathing or a mantra.
• Exercise lowers stress hormones (like cortisol) and releases endorphins.

Strategies to Manage Stress

• Time management involves arranging chores and setting achievable goals to reduce daily obligations' stress.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation involves progressively tensing and relaxing muscles.
• Positive visualization involves creating images of a restful setting or success to reduce stress and increase focus.

Strategies to Manage Stress: Lifestyle Choices

• Engage in regular physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, jogging).
• Practice yoga and Tai Chi, which combine physical movement and mindfulness.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours) to allow the body to recover.

How to Assess Stress

• Stress assessments evaluate stress levels, sources, and effects on well-being.
• The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measures perceived stress over the past month.
• A Stress Risk Assessment, in workplace settings, can discover potential stress factors.
• Identifying stressors (environmental, social, personal factors) is part of assessment.
• Evaluating coping strategies (adaptive and maladaptive) helps understand how individuals manage stress.
• Physiological measures (like cortisol levels or heart rate variability) can assess stress responses.

Scenario: Mr. Johnson (Surgical patient)

• Mr. Johnson, a 65-year-old patient with hypertension, is anxious about surgery.
• Active listening, validation, and providing clear information help address his concerns.
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation help reduce anxiety.
• Involving family members, encouraging healthy habits, and limiting stimulants help in the process.

Scenario: Utilizing Hospital Resources

• Seeking help from social workers or counselors for severe anxiety.
• Utilizing relaxation programs such as yoga or meditation.
• Regular follow-up assessments of anxiety levels.
• Encouraging post-surgery support to monitor and provide resources for ongoing mental health care.

Conclusion

• Stress is a natural bodily reaction to life's challenges.
• Chronic stress negatively affects physical, emotional, and behavioral health.
• Unmanaged stress leads to diseases and exacerbates existing conditions.
• Comprehensive health care involves helping patients manage stress.
• Applying Watson's theory can guide patients through stressful situations, promoting healing and preventing stress-related problems.

References

• Various online sources are mentioned. (These are omitted per instructions)