EQ: HOW DOES THE BODY REACT

TO STRESS?

How do you feel when you are stressed for long periods of

time? What happens to your mood, emotions, body, physical well-being?

BELL RINGER

Draw diagram that is at the bottom of the reading in

your notes.As you read, fill in what is happening in each stage

GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME READING

Psychophysiological Disorders: stress-related physical illnessesStress plays a role in 50-70% of

physical illnessesProlonged stress-chronic

anxiety, depression

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ILLNESSES

Stress weakens immune system (body’s primary defense against

disease)Immune system is complex system of

cells, tissues, and organsImmune system and brain in close

communication and effect each other

Less intense, long term stressors dramatically impact

immune systemLong term stress speed up

aging processEX: Women taking care of child with chronic illness had body cells that

looked 10 years older than their age

FINDINGS

Chronic environmental stressors (poverty, noisy living conditions) assoc. with many illnesses such as stroke and

heart attack

Stress is subjective: people that perceive events as less stressful will be healthier

POVERTY GOES STRAIGHT TO THE BRAIN READING AND MEL-CON