Recognizing Signs of Stress

& Strategies and Resources for

Support

School of Medicine: New Staff School of Medicine: New Staff OrientationOrientation October 1, 2009October 1, 2009

Presenter:

Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP,

Manager of Education and

Outreach, FSAP

There are just THOSE days…

Stress 101:What is stress?

• A physical, emotional, and psychological response to perceived threats, challenges & opportunities

• A condition or feeling experienced when people perceive that their demands exceed their access to resources

Facts About Stress

• Can be triggered by events involving intense, conflicting, or changing:– people, problems, positions, priorities,

progress, phases, or philosophies; most importantly perceptions

• Can be exacerbated by other factors such as untreated depression, medical problems, relationships, etc.)

• About two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for stress-related problems

Stress Response

• The stress response is meant to be brief and adaptive

• Options: Fight or Flight ?

Symptoms of Mismanaged Stress

• Mental health– Anxiety/fear, confusion, poor concentration,

helplessness, hopelessness, depression, low morale, fatigue, pessimism, irritability

• Physical health– Stress-related illness (hypertension, ulcers, acid

reflux/heartburn, headaches, skin rash, etc.)

• Organizational health– Increased absenteeism, diminished productivity,

team conflict, turnover

• Relationships (personal and professional)– Conflict, tension, misunderstanding, anger, emotional

or physical abuse

•Lack of control over work•Lack of control over economic

impact•Unrealistic expectations•Too high a work load,

impossible deadlines•Too low a workload, no or few

challenges•Low task variety, under-

utilization of skills•Low pay•Undervalued position

Work-Related Factors Contributing to Stress

Work-Related Factors (Continued)

• High uncertainty• Poorly defined roles and

responsibilities• Lack of clear priorities and

targets• Job insecurity

• Poor working conditions (e.g. noise, overcrowding, excessive heat, inadequate breaks)

• Low interpersonal support (e.g. inadequate or

insensitive management, hostility from colleagues)

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk

PRODUCTIVITY

– Decrease in Work Productivity, Quality or Performance

– Missed Deadlines– High Error/Accident/Mistake Rate– Reduced Job Efficiency– Making Poor Decisions– Complaints from Customers/Others– Decrease in Initiative– Irregular Work Patterns

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk

ATTENDANCE

– Increased Absenteeism/Tardiness– Multiple Unauthorized Leaves– Excessive Sick Leave– Leaving Work Early– Repeated Absences That Follow a Specific

Pattern– Unusual or Improbable Reasons or Excuses for

Absences– Frequent Breaks

Identifying Signs of Potential Risk

BEHAVIOR– Difficulties in Concentration or

Confusion– Noticeable Withdrawal or Isolation– Increased Agitation or Irritability– Poor Relationships with Coworkers– Communication Problems– Decline in Appearance or Hygiene– Increased Complaints of Physical

Ailments– Extreme Mood Swings– Under the Influence– Atypical or Unusual Behaviors

What’s Stressing YOU?

It’s not the STRESSOR that creates the stress!!

• Rather, it’s your mind’s perception of the stressor and of your perceived resources to meet the stressor’s demands that creates stress.

Ex.- Consider how stressed you’d be by having to buy a new car (stressor) if you had a million dollars to spare versus if you had no money (resources).

Therefore, ask yourself:

• Am I accurately perceiving and appraising the stressor?

• Am I accurately perceiving and appraising my capacity to meet the demands of the stressor?

Cognitive/Emotional

Management of STRESSSTRESS• Think about your thinking

– “The mind takes on the qualities of the things it thinks about.”

• Redirect your thought processes– Problem-solve instead of worry and fret

• Take mental breaks (distractions, meditation)– “Out of my mind – Back in 5 minutes.”

• Journal your thoughts, worries, concerns– “Get it out from behind your eyes so you can see it.”

• Talk out your thoughts, worries, concerns• Check your attitude (“Whether you think you can or think you

can’t, YOU’RE RIGHT!”)

• Organize your time, priorities and responsibilities

• Make the most of spontaneity and downtime

Physiological Management of

STRESSSTRESS• Nutrition

– Reduce salt, saturated fats, caffeine, and carbonation.

– Increase foods that contain vitamins B & C, calcium, and protein (e.g., dairy, fruits & vegs)

• Exercise– Break a sweat at least 3 to 4 times per week

• Sleep and Relaxation– Get at least 6 hours uninterrupted every 24 hrs– Practice deep breathing, stretching/relaxing daily

• CAUTION: Avoid numbing or masking your stress with alcohol and other substances!!

How To Beat

Burnout• Know your own warning signs of stress

overload• Focus on what you can control• Strive to leave your work at work• Make time for self and significant others• Know and accept your limitations• Exercise, eat right, and get enough

sleep• Connect with those around you• Find ways to have fun each day

Utilize Resources

• FSAP - counseling and coaching• Workshops – stress/change management,

work-life integration, time management

• Community resources

• Family, friends, colleagues, advisors• The Work-Life Resource Center

(www.worklife.emory.edu)

• Emory Meditation Stations

Utilize Financial Resources

• Emory Express Emergency Loan- Emory Alliance Credit Union

• “Sparkfly” Discount Program

• Fitness facility discounts

• Basic Budgeting workshops

• Online budgeting tools –(www.mint.com, www.cccsatlanta.org)

Faculty Staff Assistance Program

Overview of Services for Learning, Growth & Wellness

www.fsap.emory.edu (404) 727-WELL

Behavioral Mental Health Services

– Personal Counseling for

individuals/couples/families– External Referrals & Case

Management– Psychiatric consultation– Career Counseling– On-site Critical Incident

Stress Management– Consultations for leadership

and non-leadership– 24-hour on-call assistance

Behavioral Mental Health

FreeFree and confidential

services for employees and their immediate family household members

Confidential means

CONFIDENTIAL!

Common Presenting Problems

• Depression and Anxiety• Workplace Issues• Family/Marital/Relational• Substance Abuse• Grief and Loss• Intimate Partner Violence• Financial Challenges

Behavioral Mental Health

Referral Process

– Self Referrals– Leadership

Referrals– Fitness for Duty

Manager Resources Link www.emory.edu/fsap/workplace

Health Promotion & WellnessServices•Individualized Wellness Program

•Fitness, Nutrition & Life Style Coaching

•StressBreaks / HealthBreaks•Walking Groups and Programs •Work Life Integration Programs•Freedom from Smoking Classes •Weight Watchers @Emory•Flu Shot Clinics•Lunch and Learn Programs•Health Fairs/Screenings•Weight Loss Challenge Pilot (W3)

Organizational Dynamics Services

• Consultations, Assessments and Interventions

• Executive and Leadership Coaching

• Customized Workshops

• Mediation and Facilitated Discussions

• Retreat Facilitation*

*Some services require a nominal fee

A systematic process designed to promote organizational health

Education and Outreach Services

• Workshops: – Managing Financial Stress– Managing Change & Self Care – Work-Life Integration

• Life Cycle Series – Workshops focused on different phases of life

• Groups:– Grief & Loss Support Group– Aftercare Addiction Recovery Support Group

– Anger Management Skills Group– Stress-Less Skills Group

Accessing Services• Visit one of our four

locations

• Call 404-727-WELL or 404-727-4328 for a confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment– Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm– Early morning and evening

appointments available by request

– 24 hour on-call service: 404-727-4328, press 2

Four Locations

•The Emory Wellness Center 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite P1100•Emory University Hospital

Midtown Orr Building*

•Grady Hospital Campus Steiner Building, Room G04*

•Office of Disability Services Administration Building*

404.727.4328 or 7-WELL*By appointment only

FSAP Resources

• FSAP Website: www.fsap.emory.edu– Workplace Resources – Leadership Guides – Two informational videos: FSAP

Overview, and Faculty & Staff At Risk

– FSAP Email: efsap@emory.edu

• Telephone Consultations• All About Health

Faculty Staff Assistance Faculty Staff Assistance ProgramProgram

Call The Wellness Center

404-727-WELL

www.fsap.emory.eduwww.fsap.emory.edu