Stress is a body condition that occurs in response to actual or anticipated difficulties in life. People often experience stress as a result of major events in their lives, such as bereavement, divorce, or the loss of a job. Stress also may occur in response to daily problems, such as driving in heavy traffic or being hurried by someone. In addition, people may experience stress when they perceive a threat to themselves. For example, a person who feels unable to cope effectively with a challenge may experience.
Common sign of stress include an INCREASED HEART RATE, RAISED BLOOD PRESSURE, MUSCLE TENSION, MENTAL DEPRESSION AND AN INABILITY TO CONCENTRATE. Typical reactions include SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL; AN INCREASED USE OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS, AND FEELINGS OF HELPLESS ABOUT THE SITUATION.
Causes of stress are called stressors.
These are outside forces that place unusual demands on a person’s body or mind. There are five major types of stresses:
Biological variable,
Environmental circumstances,
Life situations,
Behaviours and
Cognitive activities.
Biological variables affect a person’s physical state. They include illness and physical exertion. Environmental circumstances are forces in the person’s surroundings, such as noise, overcrowding, poverty and natural disasters. Life situations include stressful incidents, such as the death of a close friend or being in a group of strangers. Behaviours that may act as stressors include smoking cigarettes and poor eating habits. Cognitive, or thinking, activities that may produce stress include taking a test or concentrating on getting a high score in a video game.
Not all stressors affect everyone the same way. In a particular situation, one person may remain quite calm while another person displays marked signs of stress. The difference between the two people may be that the first person fells in control of the situation, is threatened by it and only wants to avoid coping with it.
How stress affects the body.
Stress sets off an alarm reaction in the body. During the reaction, certain chemical substances called hormones are released into the bloodstream in increased amounts. First, a small area at the base of the brain called the hypothalamus receives signals from other parts of the brain. The signals stimulate the release of adrenocorticotropin-releas
If the stressor is prolonged, the stage of resistance occurs in the body. Physical resistance to the stressor reaches its peak during this stage, but resistance to other stressors tends to be below normal. This helps explain why people under a great deal of job stress often are more likely to catch colds and flu. If exposure to the stressor continues, the body loses its ability to adapt to the situation and enters the stage of exhaustion. During this stage, resistance to stressors is extremely low.
Stress sets off an alarm reaction in the body. During the reaction, certain chemical substances called hormones are released into the bloodstream in increased amounts. First, a small area at the base of the brain called the hypothalamus receives signals from other parts of the brain. The signals stimulate the release of adrenocorticotropin-releas
If the stressor is prolonged, the stage of resistance occurs in the body. Physical resistance to the stressor reaches its peak during this stage, but resistance to other stressors tends to be below normal. This helps explain why people under a great deal of job stress often are more likely to catch colds and flu. If exposure to the stressor continues, the body loses its ability to adapt to the situation and enters the stage of exhaustion. During this stage, resistance to stressors is extremely low.
Stress related illnesses
Doctors believe that several kinds of illness may be caused by prolonged or repeated periods of stress. Diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as duodenal ulcers and colitis, are often linked to stress. Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and even heart attacks sometimes occur because of stressful events. Stress also suppresses the body’s ability to fight off disease. Such diverse illness as flu, glandular fever, herpes simplex and some kinds of cancer have been shown to be affected by stress.
Doctors believe that several kinds of illness may be caused by prolonged or repeated periods of stress. Diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as duodenal ulcers and colitis, are often linked to stress. Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and even heart attacks sometimes occur because of stressful events. Stress also suppresses the body’s ability to fight off disease. Such diverse illness as flu, glandular fever, herpes simplex and some kinds of cancer have been shown to be affected by stress.
Dealing with stress
People need a certain amount of stress to perform at their best. But too much stress produces many negative effects. Therefore, many people look for ways to better manage the stress in their lives. Some people practice relaxation techniques, such as various forms of meditation. Stress can also be reduced by thinking about stressful things in a different way. For example, people can reduce stress by accepting events as they are, rather than as they would like them to be. Regular exercise and proper nutrition also reduce stress. See also Gland; Hormone; Transcendental Meditation.
People need a certain amount of stress to perform at their best. But too much stress produces many negative effects. Therefore, many people look for ways to better manage the stress in their lives. Some people practice relaxation techniques, such as various forms of meditation. Stress can also be reduced by thinking about stressful things in a different way. For example, people can reduce stress by accepting events as they are, rather than as they would like them to be. Regular exercise and proper nutrition also reduce stress. See also Gland; Hormone; Transcendental Meditation.
The Suggestions Given by Experts to Prevent Stress
Many people suffer from stress everyday. Stress can make us
anxious and depressed. It is the enermy of clear thinking and if allowed to get
out of control, can compromise our health as well. According to Georgia
Witkins, author of The Female Stress Syndrome, one of the top stressors is the ‘time
deficit’ – the difference between the amount of time we think we need to get
everything done and the amount of time we actually have to do it all.
But stress does not have to be our constant companion.
Georgia Witkin, Director of the Small Stuff eliminates stress. He constantly
reminds himself that life is truly precious and freedom from stress involves making peace
with imperfection. Learning to accept things as they are – instead of how one
wants them to be. Carlson believes serving others is another effective
strategy. The less self-important one feels, the less stress one harbours. He
recalls driving a new neighbour, who did not have a car, to the shops. Being
nice made his day.
According to Bernie Siegel, author of Prescriptions Living
and father of five, dealing with stress is about changing one’s life and attitude.
He recalls and frail, elderly patient named
Edith who had survived a heart attack, a bleeding ulcer and invasive breast
cancer and found a way to avert her suffering.
Edith’s mother always told her that she would live to a ripe
old age and every time something happened, Edith heard her mother’s words – and
she believed them. As for daily stress, Siegel suggests becoming involved with
what you love to do – a hobby or your work. It helps you to lose track of time
and stress.
For years, Lucinda Basset, President of Ohio’s Midwest
Centre for Stress and Anxiety, suffered from severe anxiety. She recovered by
choosing how to react to potentially stressful situations when they developed.
There were three options, she explains, that one can do – eliminate the
situation, modify it or under-react to it.
The first two choices may not be feasible. If, for example,
you love your job but hate your boss, you may not be able to eliminate this
source of stress by quitting. But the third option always lies in our control.
We can purposely under-react by simply changing our attitude. When Basset
misses a fight, for instance, she calmly arranges to take another one. Then she
makes the best of her new-found free time t0o buy a magazine or call her
husband or friend to pass the time.
To keep herself feeling calm and peaceful at home. Basset
says she reads something spiritual every day. Praying a lot has helped her
through some major challenges in her life, both professional and personal. Adapted from Reader Digest, August 2000.
Hypertension
Hypertension is the medical term for the disease
commonly called high blood pressure. There are
many varieties of hypertension. They range from mild forms to an extremely
severe—and often rapidly fatal—type called malignant hypertension. High blood
pressure is not only a serious condition by itself, but it is also the leading
cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Many people of all ages
suffer from hypertension.
Measurements
of blood pressure are written as two numbers. For example, the normal blood
pressure for a young adult is 120/80. The first number refers to the systolic
pressure, which is the blood pressure when the
heart is contracting. The second number refers to the diastolic
pressure, which is the blood pressure when the
heart is relaxing. Many doctors believe that a reading greater than 150/95 for
an adult indicates hypertension. For more information about such figures and
how doctors obtain them, see Blood pressure.
Causes. As people become older, their blood pressure usually rises because their arteries become less elastic and the blood flows more slowly. Some cases of hypertension result from other illnesses, such as kidney disease or overactive adrenal glands. However, doctors cannot determine the cause of high blood pressure in about 90 per cent of the cases. They call such cases essential hypertension. People whose parents have hypertension are much more likely to develop the ailment than those whose parents have normal blood pressure. Obesity (fatness), stress, smoking, or eating too much salt may trigger hypertension in people who have inherited such a tendency, and may also make the disease worse in people who already have it.
Causes. As people become older, their blood pressure usually rises because their arteries become less elastic and the blood flows more slowly. Some cases of hypertension result from other illnesses, such as kidney disease or overactive adrenal glands. However, doctors cannot determine the cause of high blood pressure in about 90 per cent of the cases. They call such cases essential hypertension. People whose parents have hypertension are much more likely to develop the ailment than those whose parents have normal blood pressure. Obesity (fatness), stress, smoking, or eating too much salt may trigger hypertension in people who have inherited such a tendency, and may also make the disease worse in people who already have it.
Doctors know
that an enzyme called renin plays an
important role in regulating blood pressure. Renin is secreted by the kidneys
under certain circumstances, such as a drop in the pressure of the blood
flowing through the kidneys. Renin causes the formation of a chemical substance
called angiotensin, which raises
the blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to constrict (become
narrower). Angiotensin also stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete the
hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone
causes the body to retain sodium, which, in turn, then causes the body to
retain fluids. The extra fluid increases the volume of the blood, thereby
further raising the blood pressure. After the blood pressure has risen to a
certain level, the kidneys normally stop secreting renin. But in many people
with essential hypertension, something interferes with this controlling system.
In such cases, the blood pressure remains elevated. When the pressure is high
inside the heart, the heart releases a hormone called atrial
natriuretic factor. This hormone helps lower the blood pressure by
inhibiting the secretion of renin and aldosterone.
Effects. In most
cases, hypertension produces no symptoms until dangerous complications occur.
For example, it can cause an artery in the brain to burst, producing a
stroke. High blood pressure also forces the heart to work harder, and so it may
cause a heart attack. The disease can cause kidney failure by reducing the flow
of blood to the kidneys. In addition, high blood pressure is a major cause of arteriosclerosis (hardening
of the arteries).
Treatment. People of
all ages should have their blood pressure checked frequently. Many cases of
mild hypertension can be controlled by weight reduction, avoidance of salty
foods, and increased exercise. Doctors can control almost all other cases with
drugs, including some medications that reduce the secretion of renin and
aldosterone. The more serious consequences of hypertension, such as heart
attacks and strokes, can be prevented by treating high blood pressure before it
reaches dangerous levels. See also Reserpine.
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Tips on Managing Your Stress Effectively
Introduction
Stress is a
physical, emotional and mental reaction to change. It encompasses pressure,
burden, conflict, fatigue, tension, panic, nervousness, anxiety, depression and
loss of vitality that often happens when changes occur to the body or mind.
Why are you
stress?
Personal -
disappointment that take various forms
Family -
domestic problems, financial problems, problems with children, etc.
Occupation - not
excelling in job, not promoted, loss of work, transferred, etc.
Community -
arguments with neighbours
Traffic congestion
Uncomfortable environment
Tragedy
Being forced to wait long
Signs of stress
Increased
in heartbeat
Temper
Feeling
of hopelessness
Making
you eat either less or more
Loss of
interest in job
Changing
your sleep habit (either causing you to sleep too much or not letting you sleep
enough)
Tendency
to raise voice
Social
withdrawal
Perform the
10B
Be calm
Breathe in deeply
Say: just relax...
Do good
deeds or nice things for people
Speak
to someone
Have a
massage
Rest
and listen to music
Perform
physical activities
Exercise
Think
positive
What to
do when you are angry?
Calm
down breath in and exhale slowly
Identify
the cause of your anger
Seek the
advice of others
Discuss
your problem with family member of friends
Accustom yourself to forgiving quickly and accept the
fact that people make mistakes
Read more…
Read more…
“We've seen huge interest from medical centres
in the US in using technology to bring objective measures of non-verbal behaviours and correlate
them with clinical scales of mental illness,” says Morency. “We still need to
prove that it works.” The computer technology relies on detectingminute facial and ...
KUALA LUMPUR: Early detection of poor mental health and early
treatment are important to prevent further complications and the higher risk of
developing ... “Globally, one in five adults will suffer from one episode
of depression in their lifetime and those suffering from depressionmay become suicidal.
“I feel children have such a great
capacity for understanding and empathy, so to be able to reach out to young
minds through this book, using it as a way to start a conversation or explain an otherwise
difficult and sensitive topic in an honest and simple way, is what I hope to
achieve,” says Sabrinah, before ...
However, in order to limit exposure
to this technology, always ask your doctor what information she or he hopes to gain from
the ultrasound and how that might change ... The test can also be used todetermine whether abdominal pain is
caused by labor contractions (which NST will detect) or by other problems unrelated to ...
Creatives Against Depression: Erasing the stigma behind depression + suicidal thoughts. If you or
a loved one are struggling ... a new city in the middle of the desert. Hanks'
character, Adam Clay, must persuade the Saudis to let the company he works for
provide IT technology and support for this new city.
Utilising Technology to Detect Depression
WHEN Dr Jasy Liew Suet Yan was a young
girl, she was quite taken with the Japanese manga character Doraemon — a blue
robotic cat that had a pocket which could produce the most amazing gadgets.
That, she said, sparked her curiosity and
set her on a mission to find out about the science behind every gadget, and got
her asking questions on how things work.
Then later when she was doing her bachelor’s
degree in computer science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and had the
opportunity to lead the varsity’s team at the Microsoft Imagine Cup software
design competition in 2008 and 2009, she discovered the thrill of not only
solving complex problems in computer science but also applying technology to
create solutions that help make the world a more beautiful place.
Then later when she was doing her bachelor’s
degree in computer science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and had the
opportunity to lead the varsity’s team at the Microsoft Imagine Cup software
design competition in 2008 and 2009, she discovered the thrill of not only
solving complex problems in computer science but also applying technology to
create solutions that help make the world a more beautiful place.
"For two years, we made it to the
worldwide finals and it was really an eye-opener to me. Prior to that, I felt
that systems were developed at our whim and fancy but during the competition,
I saw that technology can make a difference — to solve medical problems and
improve the quality of life. That never came across my mind until then, which
obviously got me interested in research," said the 32 year old who is
currently a senior lecturer at USM.
For her masters and PhD, Liew received
sponsorship to study at Syracuse University in New York.
Liew’s PHD research was on the development
of machine learning models that could pick up emotional cues expressed in text
- specifically via social media.
“At that time, social media was just becoming
a big thing. The text used on these platforms are different from normal
languages because people tend to be more free in what they say or do. And
because there was so much text, there wasn’t enough people to vet through it to
make sense of it like in the case of product sales, for example. How many
people were happy with a product or angry, there was no way to know.
“This created a need to produce some kind
of automatic system that could quickly pick up emotion cues so that it could
give us a rough idea on what people felt about the product and the reasons
behind the emotion. The goal was to better understand how people were expressing
emotions in text on social media,” she explained.
While pursuing her PhD, Liew also noticed
that many of her peers were showing signs of anxiety and depression.
“Upon completing my PhD, I discovered a report
which revealed that one in two PhD students experiences psychological distress
and it prompted me to think that this is a serious issue that has not been
given due attention. It is bizarre to think of how huge the problem actually
is but we have yet to see effective use of technology to prevent depression.
“Hence, I am working on enabling technologies
to detect emotions expressed in text and I hope to create more
emotion-sensitive applications that can help monitor and regulate people’s
emotion to prevent them from falling into depression,” said Liew.
She pointed out that it has been reported
four out of every 10 Malaysians are affected by some form of mental health
issues like depression.
“Depression is on the rise but it is still
considered a taboo. It is often downplayed and victims rarely acknowledge
that they need help. This makes it difficult to detect as diagnosis is done
through physical examination by a doctor,” she said.
In today's digital world where the use of
social media is prevalent, Liew believes that tell-tale signs of depression can
be picked up through this channel.
In her current research, she aims to investigate
the emotion patterns from streams of social media posts that contains emotional
cues, which can be identified to detect signs of depression.
She employs the use of automatic emotion
detectors that non-intrusively monitor an individual’s emotional state in
order to trigger an alert and suggest relevant strategies to regulate emotions
when patterns of depression are recognised.
Liew remarked that preventing depression
is crucial to improve the quality of life, lower suicide rates and reduce the
burden of mental illnesses in a society and the country.
"The goal is to have technology that
can look at what you’re doing on social media — writing and expressing — and at
the end of the day tell you that you seem to be having signs of depression and
suggest you talk to a mental health expert or counsellor. Part of this research
is to explore how to help people come up with better emotion coping strategy.
Intervening it at the early stage could deter a person from falling deeper into
depression,” she said.
For her research, Liew was recently awarded
the coveted L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship.
"I aspire to become a researcher and
educator who can help bridge the communication gap between people and
computers through the creation of more emotion-sensitive computers. As humans
become ever-more emotive in our use of social media, my research investigates
how the use of various natural language processing (NLP) techniques enable
computers to better detect the emotional cues expressed in texts. Being able to
automatically detect emotion in texts on a large scale allows me to study
various emotion-related phenomena online, and to improve the design of
emotion-sensitive systems,” she said.
Liew also wants to use her expertise to humanise
technology and help build local talents in her field.
Her message to budding scientists is to
"grab any opportunity to learn, follow your heart and never be discouraged
by naysayers who says computer science is not for women”.
“Being a computer scientist allows cross
disciplinary boundaries in your career. I have always wanted to teach and have
always been fascinated with computers, psychology and linguistics. Computer and
information science have allowed me to combine my various interests in my
career, so join me in exploring science and creating technologies to make this
world a better place to live in,” she said.
Part of this research is to explore how to help people come up with better emotion
coping strategy.
USM senior Lecture
NewStraitsTimes/December 20, 2017
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