A Presentation for the SOMC Medical Imaging Department Kendall L. Stewart, MD, MBA, FAPA

A Presentation for the A Presentation for the SOMC Medical Imaging DepartmentSOMC Medical Imaging Department

Kendall L. Stewart, MD, MBA, FAPAKendall L. Stewart, MD, MBA, FAPAMarch 2, 2002March 2, 2002

Dealing WithDealing WithStressStress

Some Practical Questions & Answers Some Practical Questions & Answers

The Portable Mentor Presentation Series

SOMCPress

What’s in this forWhat’s in this for me?me?

• Stress happens!• Stress can and does diminish the quality

of our lives.• You can learn to cope more effectively

with stress.• Individualized approaches are the only

ones that work.• This presentation may produce some

insights that you can use.

Even the smallest sustained change takes real effort. “Parking the Impala”

What isWhat is stress?stress?

• A physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation

• Bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existing equilibrium

We are all like balls connected with strings. “Jonathan’s trials as a first year teacher.”

What are some of the common What are some of the common

unpleasantunpleasant stressesstresses in our in our lives?lives?• Illness• Unemployment• Conflict• Increasing

demands• Crime• Death• Information

overload

And we call it women’s liberation. “Claudia gesturing, on phone and pulling away with the door open.”

What are some of the common What are some of the common

pleasantpleasant stressesstresses in our in our lives?lives?• Retirement• Vacation• New baby• Moving• New job• New phase of life• Children leaving

home• Family visits

A woman won the lottery. She asked the preacher to tell her husband.

How are stress andHow are stress and healthhealth related?related?

• More than 200 points on the Social Readjustment Assessment Scale in one year was associated with an increased incidence of– Myocardial infarction– Psychiatric illness– Peptic ulcer disease– Infection

What are theWhat are the relative relative scoresscores of some common life of some common life events?events?

Life Event Relative Score

Divorce 73

Retirement 45

Child Leaving Home 29

In-law Trouble 29

Vacation 13

Christmas 12

Your first day on a new job, look cool. “You look more like one of us.”

WhatWhat disordersdisorders are are negatively affected by stress?negatively affected by stress?

• Psychiatric disorders

• Cardiovascular disorders

• GI disorders• Neurological

disorders• Musculoskeletal

disorders

What are someWhat are some

psychologicalpsychological responses to responses to stress?stress?• Irritability• Preoccupation• Difficulty with

concentration• Anxiety• Depression• Sleep changes• Avoidance• Psychological

defense mechanisms

Denial is a powerful defense. “Your racehorse, Suzy, called today.”

What are someWhat are some

physiologicalphysiological responses to responses to stress?stress?• Increased heart

rate• Increased

respiration• Increased

perspiration• Diarrhea• Tremor• Flushing

Stress can be very uncomfortable. “Treating a MI patient in the Air Force”

What What factorsfactors often distract us often distract us from the realization that we are from the realization that we are stressed?stressed?

• Time pressure• Demand for

productivity• Emphasis on quantity• Materialism• Competition• Selfish interests• No sense of purpose or

meaning• Longer task lists• Resentment

You can know too much. “We hope to get better speakers next year”

What are someWhat are some unhealthy unhealthy strategies?strategies?

• Working harder• Taking it out on

others• Withdrawing• Ignoring issues• Congregating with

other miserable people

• Doing nothing

• Eating• Drinking• Using chemicals• Indulging in

pathologic relationships

• Ruminating• Being a couch

potato

Forget changing others. Change yourself. “Waiting on my wife”

What are some healthyWhat are some healthy

mental mental strategies?strategies?

• Meditation• Healthy distraction• Thought stopping• Ventilation• Reframing• Ignoring• Assertiveness• Prayer

Even ugly pictures look better in an attractive frame. “Reframing on call duties as ministry”

What are some healthyWhat are some healthy

physicalphysical strategies?strategies?

• Exercise• Proper diet• Recreation• Avoidance of

stressful situations• Lifestyle change• Physical labor• Use of sensory

override techniques

Few of us enjoy vigorous exercise. “Combine it with something your do enjoy.

What are some suggestedWhat are some suggested next next steps?steps?• Decide whether stress is an issue you want

to address in your life.• Decide on your priorities.• Make a commitment.• Identify measures of your success.• Organize your “project team.”• Set incremental goals.• Celebrate all progress.• Be realistic.

Celebrate small accomplishments. “Climbing Camelback mountain”

WhatWhat insightsinsights can I take can I take away?away?

• Stress happens.• Not all stress is bad.• There are many successful strategies for

minimizing the negative impact of stress on our lives.

• The most effective strategies are individualized and dynamic.

• Dealing more effectively with stress will improve your productivity and the quality of your life.

Where can I learnWhere can I learn more?more?

• Stewart, Kendall L, Stress Management: Dealing Effectively with Stress at Work and in Life. A SOMC White Paper, 2002. (Watch for it on http://www.somc.org)

• Davis, Martha, McKay Matthew and Eshelman, Elizabeth Robbins, The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook. 5th ed., New Harbinger Publications, 2000.

• Carnegie, Dale, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Pocket Books, 1985.

• Weeks, Claire, Hope and Help for your Nerves. Signet, 1991.• Davidson J. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Managing Stress,

Alpha Books, 1996• How to Master Stress http://www.mindtools.com/smpage.html

How can we How can we contactcontact you? you?

Kendall L. Stewart, M.D.Kendall L. Stewart, M.D.Medical DirectorMedical Director

Southern Ohio Medical CenterSouthern Ohio Medical Center

1805 27th Street1805 27th StreetPortsmouth, Ohio 45662Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

740.356.8153740.356.8153

[email protected] www.somc.org

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WhatWhat questionsquestions do you have?do you have?

www.somc.orgwww.somc.org