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Show kSDDs CueDp pep)lle (sop wi stfiress While some stress is healthy, too much can lead to health problems. by Capt. (Dr.) Kelly 649th Medical Group Predieri Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Learning how cope with life stress can be challenging. To some degree, stress is healthy and adaptive. A moderate amount of stress helps to motivate and challenge people to face life's demands. Too much or too little stress in life, however, can lead to problems. Signs and symptoms of stress include emotional effects such as sadness, anxiety and irritability; behavioral effects such as withdrawal, overeating, alcohol abuse, and child and spouse abuse; and physical effects such as headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and sexual disinterest. Stress effects commonly seen in adolescents include anger, social isolation and acting out behavior such as substance abuse and Stress affects each person in a unique way. There is no single pattern of too much stress that applies to everyone. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress in ourselves and in people who are close to us. Awareness is the first step for people in learning how to manage the stress in their lives. Each individual must find his or her own unique way of coping with stress. Here are some coping skills that can help: D Social support People need to have healthy j interpersonal relationships. Social support helps to buffer the effects of stress and change within an organization. D Thought management It is important to keep your perceptions realistic and to avoid negative, irrational thinking such as "She will never change! " or "I can never recover from change or job loss." O Relaxation Learning a relaxation technique f such as meditation, guided imagery or deep breathing can give your body and mind a daily time out. O Exercise, diet and sleep Taking care of your body by exercising regularly, eating nourishing foods, and getting enough rest will give you the energy you need to face life's challenges. B Slowing our reactivity Reacting quickly and angrily to demands placed on us can have harmful effects on our bodies and our relationships. D Humor and enjoyment To balance out our lives, we need to be able to laugh at ourselves and to make time for enjoyable activities on a regular basis. Many people at Hill AFB are facing some unique stressors due to changes in the work force, including early retirements, realignments and decreasing budgets. There are many resources available in the base community to help people cope with stress. The Mental Health Clinic through health promotions offers two- - and four-hou- r stress management workshops to organizations across the base. Workshops can be scheduled by contacting the health promotions staff at Ext. to rule-breakin- g. - Faith can offer firm foundation by Chaplain (Capt.) Weston H. Walker Hill AFB During times of stress we need foundations and anchors to hold us firm. Family and friends are often the stabilizing forces which help us weather the storms of life. But an even more foundational hold in our lives is faith. Our spiritual side of life helps us understand and face life's challenges. In times of stress, renew your faith and religious participation. The chapel offers a variety of spiritual programs centering on the weekend Protestant and Catholic worship services. Family Support Center offers The following are some of the ft i , I I v . stress-reducin- g classes offered at the Family Support Center during the next few months. To Change or Not to Change: That's the Question: Learn to gain control within a changing environment. Charles Thurman, who holds a master's degree in education, will conduct this three-da-y workshop July 20-211:30 a.m.-- l p.m. Living, Loving and Laughter: Reta Felt will help you realize we are what we think and that living is more fun if you have a sense of humor. July 29, 11:30 a.m.-- l p.m. Bring your lunch. Relocating with Children: A workshop that will make moving with children less stressful for parents and children will be held Aug. 9, 11:30 0 p.m. Guest speakers will a.m.-12:3- COMMENTARY Protestant Chaplain The chaplains also provide counseling for military members and their families. Chaplains can help with a variety of problems including family, d concerns. marriage, spiritual and Talking about our concerns is a good stress management tool. Come see a chaplain and we can listen, help you sort out your issues and options, and encourage you to take action. Chaplains care about people and are here to help. For more information call the Hill AFB Chapel work-relate- at Ext. classes stress-reducin- g share their knowledge and expertise. cope with the many adjustments related to the uncoupling process by exBring your lunch. Stick It in Your Ear: Learn new ways ploring ways of providing emotional to communicate. O. Kent Allen will support for the children, helping adults discover their own support and help individuals identify communication strategies and develop skills that identifying the grief bereavement iswill enable them to communicate more sues involved. Kay Keller, who holds effectively at home, at work and at a bachelor's degree in psychology, will facilitate the workshop, Aug. 20, 11 play, Aug. 11, p.m. a.m.-- l p.m. Bring your lunch. Premenstrual Syndrome: Who is to be Assertive: So what Learning that woman? Explore the issue of of "No" don't you understand? part PMS and get insight on how to deal Ever wanted to say that? Jean Weinwith it, whether you are experiencing who holds a bachelor's degree berger, it or living or working with someone in social work and works for a local who may have it. The seminar will be home health care company, will exheld Aug. 12, 4 p.m. Dr. Teresa Dur-biof plore communication styles and will facilitate. offer techniques to empower and lead The Life Adjustment Class to assertiveness. The class will be held Coping With Divorce: This workshop ena- Aug. 31, 11:30 a.m.-- l p.m. Bring your bles individuals, especially parents, to lunch. 2-- OB-GY- n, |