KRISTIN MAIER, HR&

DR. MEGAN AMAYA

Stress in Law Enforcement

Stress

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QddPEtcDwh8

Good v. Bad ?

How Stressed Are You?

Your Score

61-75: Your stress level is probably quite high. Prioritize the areas where you scored 5’s, and list 2-3 things for each area that you could do to reduce your stress level.

46-60: Your stress level is moderate. Look at the areas where you scored 5’s, and list 2-3 things you can do to help yourself reduce stress levels today.

30-45: You seem to have low stress levels. This is good. However, there are still areas that you could work on. Think about these things and list ways to reduce your stress levels now.

Less than 30: You seem to be doing a great job. Keep doing what you are doing to manage your stress!

What is Stress?

Imposed factor that threatens us?Demand on our mind and body?Emotional tension?Mental and physical responses to change and

challenge Real vs perceived

Stressors

Physical, social or psychological event or condition that requires us to adjust Tangible Intangible

EustressDistress

The General Adaptation Syndrome

<<Insert fig 3.1>>

Fight or Flight?

Chronic stress response compromises physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Healthy:

Stress Alarm

Recuperation

Fight or Flight is essential for survival when dealing with short term threats.

Typical today:

How the Body Deals with Stress

Red blood cells pump into bloodstream; more oxygen reaches brain to stimulate

thinking

Stored sugars and fats pumped into bloodstream to increase available energy

Sympathetic nervous system activated to increase alertness and strength

Racing thoughts; snap decisions

All senses heightened to enable quick response

Pituitary function increases tostimulate adrenaline production

Pupils dilate to let in more light to increase visual acuity

Gritting teeth, clenching jaw

Perspiration increases for heat dissipation

Rapid pulse & increased breathing

Blood clotting mechanism activates to protect against

injury

Blood diverted from extremities into trunk and head to protect internal organs

Inability to sit still

Muscles tense in arms and legs

Digestion stops; blood diverted to brain & muscles to prepare for flight or fight

Stress & Health

Which system does it affect most?Second most?CVDWeightMental Health

Anxiety, depression, burnout

Stress & Your Job

Common StressorsScheduleEmergency CallsWorkloadWorking EnvironmentNo Margin for ErrorExternal

Coping with Stress

PhysicalDietExerciseProgressive

relaxationDeep Breathing Yoga/Tai ChiLaughter

MentalMeditationGuided ImageryDiscussSay No

Get Up!

How Well Can You Relax?

What do you do?