Stress 101
something in the world that makes a demand on a person. This is an event, a person, a law, a rule, or a request that requires a person to react in some way.
Stressor
Most people develop similar types of self-defense mechanisms. Some of the most common of these are called:
(1) repression
(2) emotional insulation
(3) intellectualization
(4) regression.
True or False: When people in early recovery experience high levels of stress and don’t use stress-reduction techniques and social resources (such as self-help groups) to deal with it, they can suffer physically and psychologically.
True
Ignoring stress makes it go away over time.
Myth: Avoiding or ignoring stress often makes it build up over time.
I build up when you worry, but release me and you feel lighter. What am I?
Stress
True or False: Stress is an internal reaction to the demand of the stressor.
True
With this defense mechanism, people do not let themselves think about threatening or painful thoughts, feelings, desires, memories, or beliefs. Some people call it “selective remembering.”
Repression
Name three ways you could handle stress using healthy coping mechanisms.
Exercise, meditating, journaling, grounding exercises, etc.
Chronic stress can affect physical health, not just mental health.
Fact: Chronic stress can impact the body (heart, immune system, digestion).
The more of me you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
footsteps
these occur when obstacles block a person from reaching a goal.
frustrations
People who have been disappointed many times will often try not to get too involved with things going on around them in order to keep from being disappointed again.
emotional insulation
Stage 1: The first reaction to high levels of stress is to become more emotional, more tense, and more sensitive and alert to what’s going on. People also make an effort toward self-control, and they may use various self-defense mechanisms, such as denial or repression.
Alarm
Stress is always bad for you
Myth: Stress isn’t always bad; short-term stress can be motivating or protective.
I’m tall when I’m young, and short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle
Stress can come from ________ that force people to achieve specific goals by speeding up, working harder, or changing theway they do something.
pressures
The emotional reaction that would normally accompany a painful event is avoided by a seemingly logical explanation that removes the painful feeling of the event.
Intellectualization
Stage 2: If the stress continues, people (often unconsciously) intensify the use of self defense mechanisms and other coping strategies. They may show signs of severe psychological strain, such as severe anxiety, depression, and physical problems.
Resistance
Everyone experiences stress differently.
Fact: Stress responses vary based on personality, history, and coping skills.
I have cities but no houses, forests but no trees, and rivers but no water. What am I?
A map
this occurs when there are two opposing forces—one force against the other. These could be internal such as when you have to make a tough choice.
conflicts
a defense mechanism in which people return to old ways of dealing with the world that they have long since outgrown.
regression
Stage 3: After enduring severe stress with poor internal and social resources, the individual’s resources may run out. Their coping mechanisms begin to fail. Feeling alone and frightened, the person will react inappropriately, and may experience a break with reality, hallucinations, or delusions.
Exhaustion and Collapse
Long-term stress can impact sleep, memory, and concentration.
Fact
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with wind. What am I?
Echo