Do you need to

tackle stress?
What is stress?

Types of
stressors

Types of
responses
Physiological
responses of
stress

Impact of
stress on
health

Health
problems
linked with

Work related illness is 40% cause by stress

Experience stress
Experience stress when DEMAND of the situation
EXCEED our RESOURCES to cope with the situation
DEMAND >>>>>>>>RESOURCES
Such as lack of social support, equipment,
knowledge, finance.
Internal : the way we think abt the situation
Exeternal : an event out of control
Acute : exams
Chronic : long illnesswork
Distant trauma
Daily : work
Major life events

- Physiological
- Affective
- Cognitive
- Behavioural
FIGHT or FLIGHT RESPONSE
- Automatic response prepares the organism to a
threat
- Involve Sympathetic Nervous System
1. Activate vital systems to prepare the body for
immediate action
2. Produce adrenaline and nonadrenaline, adrenaline
3. Stimulate hearts, lungs divert energy towards
them
4. Release of CORTISOL - key
5. Changes in humoral immunity Th2
6. Increase blood pressure - CORTISOL
7. Increase blood glucose - CORTISOL
8. Increase metabolic rate - CORTISOL
- Acute stress- body adapts to the stressors
- Chronic stress gradually body loses the abilities to
adapt to stressors Weakening immune system,
exhaustion illness death

Mistakes/accidents
Tiredness
Irritability

stress

Risk factors of
stress

Why stress
relevant to
doctors?

R
A
V

Summary

Poor concentration
Sleep disorders
Anxiety/depression
Poor mental health
Coronary heart disease/
Muscular pain/weakness
Digestion: ulcers, IBS
Diabetes
Headaches
Infections
Cancer
Loss of libido

high blood pressure

Personality
Sense of self control
Sense of being able to succeed
Coping style
Social support
Physical activity reduce anxity and depression
linked with higher self esteem and confidence
High rate of mental health problems among doctors.
Risk factors for psychological problems :
1. Occupational :
Nature of the jobs
Expectations
Long shifts
Lack of social support
2. Personality :
Perfectionism, self criticism, anxiety
Excessive sense of responsibility
Guilt
ecognise
cknowledge
alidate
Seek support and professional help
Stress occurs when demands of a situation exceed a
persons resources to cope with them
Stress leads to physiological, behavioural, cognitive
and emotional responses/changes
It is linked with a number of physical and mental
health problems (CHD, strokes, colds, anxiety,
depression)
Personality, personal control, adaptive coping styles,
social support and exercise may protect from stress
High rates of mental health problems in doctors
important to recognise signs and take steps to
manage