When Change Happens

A Workshop to Support TUSD

Employees in Times of Change

Megan McCormick, PhD, NCSP

 When Change Happens
Change is an event that occurs when something passes from one state or
phase to another; eg: moving from employed to un-employed

Self initiated/We control :

Change our minds, our clothes, our attitude, our hair color, career,
spouse, friends, etc.

Positive Stress = Eustress

External Factors/We dont control:

Foreseen: Maturation, Graduation, Retirement, Death

Unforeseen: Accidents and Unexpected Losses

Negative Stress = Distress

 When Change Happens
Physiological Responses to Change
Central Nervous System (CNR)

Peripheral Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System
The Role of Adreneline (Epinephrine)

The Role of Anxiety

The Role of Stress
Your Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
 Physiology of Stress Response
Novel Stimulus Perceived
Message sent/become alert
Stimulus Perceived as Danger/Threat
Catacholamines stimulate neuroreceptor sites
Sympathetic Division of ANS Activated
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Released
Ready for Action
Fight or Flight
 Physiology of Stress Response
Physiological Responses
Acceleration of heart and lung action
Paling or flushing
Digestion slows or stops
Blood vessels constrict
Liberation of nutrients for muscular action
Pupils dilate
Auditory Exclusion (loss of hearing)
Tunnel Vision (loss of peripheral vision)
Acceleration of instantaneous reflexes
 Negative Effects of Stress in
Modern Humans
Continuous release of epinephrine also releases norepinephrine
and cortisol

Suppresses immune response/system

Suppresses digestion
Uses up nutrients
Addictive
Increases heart rate
Elevates blood sugar
Disrupts homeostasis
Interrupts the Parasympathetic Nervous System from functioning
and returning to homeostasis
 Psychological/Behavioral Responses to
Stress
Women Men

Increased blood flow to Limbic Increased blood flow to left

System orbitofrontal cortex fight or
flight
Nurturing Response
Withdrawal Aggression
Freeze Easily frustrated
Avoidance Anger
Sad Outbursts
Depression Rage
Anxiety Impulsivity
Overall more resilient Action/Activity
Self medication
 When the Stressor is a Loss
When the Loss is Your Job

Losses are never in isolation and job loss sets off a domino
effect of changes/losses/stressors

Identity
Income
Colleagues/Social Structure and Support
Career track
Plans
Home/City/Community
Dreams
Sense of Security
Investments
Health Care
Hope
 Dealing With a Loss
The Process of Loss and Stages of Grieving

Kubler-Ross Model

Denial: Im good/fine or This isnt happening

Anger: Whos to blame or Why me or Not fair
Bargaining: OK, what if I teach Special Ed/Math?
Depression: Whats the use?
Acceptance: This is OK/New Chapter
 Dealing With a Loss
Stages of Bereavement
Shock and Numbness
Problems with processing
Yearning and Searching
Denial or minimizing the impact of the loss.
Frustration and disappointment as reality sinks in
Disorganization and Despair
Sadness, depression, feelings of being overwhelmed
Reorganization
Getting into cognitive restructuring and action.
 The Role of Emotions

Why Emotions Are Our Friends

Hardwired for Survival

Let us know something is wrong
Thoughts trigger them
If we manage thoughts and emotions we activate our
parasympathetic nervous system
We can manage thoughts better than emotions
Managing Thoughts and Emotions
Sedona Method
Option Institute
Focusing
Yoga
Meditation
Physical Activity
Therapy
Visualization
Medication
 Sedona Method
Based on awareness, acceptance and release of
thoughts/emotions

Steps

Focus on feeling
Ask: Could I accept or welcome this feeling?
Ask: Am I willing to let it go?
Ask: Would I let it go
Ask: When?
Repeat until feeling is neutralized
 Managing Emotions

Whats Usual/Expected

Anger/Frustration
Sadness
Anxiety
Low Energy
Impairment in Judgment
 Managing Emotions/Behaviors
Warning Signs

Isolation
Loss of interest in your faves
Feelings of overwhelm/helplessness/hopelessness
Self Destructive Acting Out
Substance Abuse
Angry outbursts
Self Injury
Eating Disorder Behavior
Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation
 COPING

Create Your Mind Plan

Put things in Context

Manage the Emotions
Do Inner Work/Personal Growth Work
Manage Stress
Get Social Support and Professional Support
 COPING

Create Your Body Plan

Daily Routine
Exercise
Diet
Keep moving/clean things out
 COPING

Create Your Life Plan

Get clear on what you want

Research
Explore
Play
Dream
Action Plans
 Resources
www.nmha.org Mental Health America
www.deeroaks.com Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program
www.samhc.com So. AZ Mental Health Corp
www.option.org The Option Institute
www.sedona.com The Sedona Method

When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Harold Kushner

When Things Fall Apart: Pema Chodron
The Power of Focusing: Ann Weiser Cornell, PhD
Peace is Every Step: Thich Nhat Hanh
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Jack Canfield
A Grief Observed: C.S. Lewis
Who Moved My Cheese: Spencer Johnson, M.D.
 References
Myers, David (2009) Psychology: Ninth Edition
http://sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04 How Men and Women Cope
Differently with Stress Traced to Genetic Differences
http://sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0403-men_are_from_mars.htm
Neuroscientists Find that Men and Women Respond Differently to Stress