Alarm Phase This stage is marked by the activation of the fight and flight response, the release of catecholamines and the release of the adrenocorticotropic hormone. This stage is also
characterized by a defensive and anti-inflammatory response. Prolonged exposure to the alarm phase is lethal to the human system, and so the body enters to another stage. Resistance Phase In this stage, the adaptation to the stressor or noxious stimuli occurs. This stage is still marked by an increase in cortisol levels (from the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone). Exhaustion Phase Prolonged exposure to stress results to the stage of exhaustion, this stage has dangerous effects to the human body particularly the digestive, immune and circulatory system. When a person is left untreated, and stays at this stage for a prolonged period of time, the result can be death.
duration of these responses may indicate the person is indeed in that state of physiologic response to stress.
Breakdown of Protein (protein catabolism) Gluconeogenesis or the conversion of amino acids to glucose Anti-insulin action of many body cells except the brain and the heart
Sodium and water retention to prevent loss of fluid in cases of hemorrhage or excessive perspiration Has an effect on learning and coping
Increase blood pressure and heart rate Alertness and increased mental acuity Pupil dilation Increased level of blood glucose Increase muscle tone Increased rate of breathing Increased blood coagulation
Immune Responses
Stress responses also exert significant effects to the immune system. These may include:
Initial Stage
Increase number of immune cells (WBC, lymphocytes) to help the body fight the stress (whether that is infection or injury) and regulate inflammation Activation of the inflammatory response such as vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels) to allow the immune cells to the site of injury, stress or inflammation
Late stage
Decreased number of immune cells, predisposing the person of infections Vasoconstriction which causes decrease blood supply in areas of the body
Once activated, such responses to stress are actually helpful to the body, these signs and symptoms serve as the bodys mechanism to fight stress. For example, the increase in gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism promotes higher levels of energy. However when these responses are prolonged and remained unresolved, their effects can be deleterious. Example, prolonged exposure to increased levels of cortisol depresses the immune system; this then puts the person into higher risk of acquiring infection since the bodys defenses are inhibited.
Physical stress
Injuries Trauma Fall Allergic reactions (hypesensitivity reactions) Infections Other disease conditions
Psychological Stress
Work Studying Depression Traumatic incidences such as witnessing accidents Employment Life events such as divorce, graduation, retirement, etc.
Stress is considered a stimulus, and people deal with it everywhere and in everyday of their lives. Because it is a stimulus, it helps keep people going and serves as a motivating factor for peoples activities. Like other stimuli, stress can also come in good and bad forms.
Eustress- considered as the good stress Distress- is a noxious type of stimuli or stress
Exercise Balanced diet Proper time management that allows enough rest and sleep Avoidance of smoking and drinking (maladaptive behaviors) Strengthening relationships Improvement of social skills
Having a positive outlook Use of social and spiritual support Acceptance of a stressful situation Maintaining control over feelings or the situation Relaxation Techniques Progressive muscle relaxation Bensons Relaxation Response Guided Imagery