1. Ms. Maria Lourdes R. Balucan, BSN,
RN
Student, Master in Nursing
Misamis University

3. • A change in the environment that is perceived as
a threat, challenge, or harm to the person's
dynamic equilibrium.
• In times of stress, the SNS is activated to
produce immediate changes of increased HR,
peripheral vasoconstriction, and increased BP.

4.  Typicallystress is seen as harmful
and unpleasant yet stress may be
beneficial.
• How do you view stress?

5. • Myth 1 I must be stressed to succeed...
• Myth 2 All Stress is bad…
• Myth 3 If only I could move/change my job/
• leave my spouse/get rid of my boss,
then my stress would go away...
• Myth 4 There is nothing I can do about stress…
• *From Stuart, E., Webster, A., Wells-Federman, C.L. 1992
Managing Stress, The Wellness Book

6. • This response is prolonged by adrenal
stimulation and secretion of epinephrine and
norepinephrine

7. • A limited amount of stress can be a positive
motivator to take action
• Excessive or prolonged stress can cause
emotional discomfort, anxiety, possible panic,
and illness

8. • Prolonged sympathetic-adrenal stimulation
may lead to:
• High BP
• Arteriosclerotic changes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Acute asthma attack
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraine headaches

9.  Fighting it
 Flight - Escaping it
 Freezing
 Tend and Befriend
Everyone responds
differently to stressors!

11. • Can help patients:
• Control illnesses
• Improve self-esteem
• Gain control
• Enjoy life more fully

12. • Involves the identification of physiologic and
psychosocial stressors
• Assess the following:
• The patient's education, finances, job, family, habits,
activities, personal and family health history, and
responsibilities.

13. • Positive and negative coping methods should
also be identified.

15. • One of the first steps in stress management
• Can be used to reduce anxiety brought on by
stress

17. • The simplest technique that can be performed at
any time
• The patient breathes slowly and deeply until
relaxation is achieved
• Can lead to hyperventilation if done incorrectly

18. • Relieves muscle tension related to stress
• The patient alternately tenses, then relaxes
muscle groups until the entire body feels relaxed

19. • Can help relieve pain and induce sleep
• The patient replaces painful or unpleasant
sensations with pleasant ones through self-
suggestions
• May require extensive coaching at first

20. • Uses imagination and concentration to take a
“mental vacation”
• The patient imagines a peaceful, pleasant scene
involving multiple senses
• Can last as long as the patient decides

21. • Uses the patient's own interests and activities to
divert attention from pain or anxiety
• Includes listening to music, watching television,
reading a book, singing, knitting, doing crafts or
projects, or physical activities

23. • Dealing with the stressors or problem areas and
increasing coping behaviors

24. • Help the patient to recognize specific
stressors and determine if they can be
altered
• Then develop a plan for managing that
stressor

25. • How do I cope with stress?
• Coping skills I’d like to add?
• Poor coping skills I’d like to drop or change are:
• People I know who seem to be in control of their lives
are:
• Things they do which I could try are:
• Other things I could do to gain control over my life are:

26. • Teach the patient to avoid negative
coping behaviors:
• Smoking
• Drinking
• Using drugs
• Overeating
• Cursing
• Using abusive behavior toward others.

27. • Teach positive coping mechanisms:
• Continued use of relaxation techniques
• Fostering of support systems
• Family, friends, church groups, social
groups, or professional support groups

28.  Practice your stress management
skills regularly!
 One stress management strategy
isn’t foolproof!
 Build your ability to bounce back!