3.6: Stress

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Page ID: 67578

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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A stressor is anything that causes stress. Even positive life events such as the birth of a baby or a wedding can cause people stress. Life events such as weddings, divorce, death, births of children, and retirement can cause people stress. Additional stressors affecting the elderly may include financial problems, death of a spouse, family, or close friends, physical changes, pain, and loss of independence.

When we feel stress, adrenaline is released by the endocrine system. It causes our blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate to increase. Stress that is not relieved can result in long-term physical problems such as high blood pressure. It can also cause anxiety, depression, aggression, and mood swings. Some people manage stress by engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking, yelling at those near them, or drinking alcohol.

If Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides observe unhealthy coping behaviors from their patient and high levels of stress, they should discuss their concerns with their supervisor and work with him or her to develop healthy coping strategies for the patient.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. Which of the following events can cause stress to a person?

a). New marriage
b). Birth of a baby
c). Death of a spouse
d). Retirement
e). Loss of income
f). New diagnosis of heart disease
g). Pain
h). Losing the ability to dress oneself

Answer

All of these events can cause a person to feel stress.

Feedback:

Both positive and negative stressors can contribute to a feeling of stress and cause a person anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Stressors include a new marriage or one that has problems, the birth of a baby, the death of a spouse or loved one, retirement, loss of income, a new diagnosis of any disease or illness, pain, and losing one’s independence and ability to perform tasks independently.

How to Help a Patient Effectively Manage Stress

Encourage and provide healthy, nutritious food
Encourage and work with the patient on maintaining physical activity or an exercise plan
Promote good sleep by providinga peaceful sleeping environment
Find activities the patient enjoys such as reading, listening to music, watching movies, or spending time with friends
Teach the patient relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
Provide a warm bath and back massage for the patient
Apply lotion to the patient’s legs and hands
If the patient wishes, pray with them or organize a clergy visit
Allow the patient space to be alone for short periods to relax and think
Provide space and time for the patient to talk and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Which of the following are healthy ways to manage stress?

a). Smoking

b). Overeating

c). Talking to a trusted friend

d). Drinking alcohol

e). Taking a warm bath

Answer

1. C and E

Feedback:

1. Healthy ways to manage stress include talking to a trusted friend, taking a warm bath, eating nutritious food, engaging in regular exercise, praying, and taking time to relax. Smoking, overeating, and drinking alcohol excessively contribute to stress.