Module 2 Stress and Coping
Into every life a little rain must
fall …..
But what
happens when
there is a
flood?
Module 2
Stress and Coping
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Learning Objectives
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Use the terminology of stress and coping
Describe how people react to and cope with
stress
Describe common reactions to loss and grief
Employ guidelines for the provision of
psychological support
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Stress and Coping
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Stress
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A state of physical and/or psychological
arousal
Often brought about by a perceived
threat or challenge
May be expressed differently by different
cultures
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Stress and Coping
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Stress Reaction Phases
1.
2.
3.
4.
Acute phase
Reaction phase
Repair phase
Reorientation phase
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Acute Phase
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Lasts minutes, hours or days
“Fight or flight” response: preparation for physical
activity
Narrowing of focus: decreases ability to think
properly
Emotional reactions:
disbelief/consternation/fear/grief
Rigid behavior: irritability, anger, etc. affects
communication
Panic is rare but if present, requires immediate
attention
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Reaction Phase
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Lasts one to six weeks
Delayed reactions: previously repressed
or denied feelings will surface
May be overwhelming, bringing feelings
of powerlessness
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Reaction Phase: Characteristic
reactions:
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Fear of returning to the site of the event
Dreams or nightmares
Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia
Muscular tension, tremors and exaggerated
startle response
Increased irritability and isolation, depression
Disturbing thoughts about survival, relief, guilt
and grief
Perceived images of how others suffered in the
disaster, i.e. how they died, how they injured
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Repair Phase
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Lasts one to six months
Reactions are less intense, and not so
overwhelming
• Feelings of hurt continue, but are more
•
•
manageable
Renewed interest in everyday life
Makes plans for the future
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Reorientation Phase
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Approximately six months after a
distressing event and continuing
Heightened stress reactions are
substantially reduced
• Grief reaction may not be resolved but is
•
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accepted
Most reactions will diminish gradually
Assessing ongoing needs is important
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Stress and Coping
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Coping with Stress
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Coping is a way to prevent, delay, avoid,
or manage stress
Coping mechanism categories:
• Changing the source of stress
• Changing the view of the situation
• Tolerating the stressor until it passes or
becomes less troublesome
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Examples of Coping
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Seeking help from others or offering to help
others
Using natural support systems
Talking about their experiences and trying to
make sense of what happened
Hiding until the danger has passed
Seeking information about the welfare of loved
ones
Gathering remaining belongings
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Examples of Coping (cont.)
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Beginning to repair the damage
Burying or cremating the dead
Following religious or cultural practices
Setting goals and making plans
Using defenses like denial
Remaining fearful and alert to further danger
Thinking long and hard about the event
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Activity # 6 – What if…
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Activity: Break into pairs. Imagine that there is
flood in your community. Your family's income
is based on farming, and you lose all your
crops in the flood.
Take 5 minutes to discuss three (or more)
actions, thoughts, beliefs, personal
characteristics or strengths or aspects of your
culture that would help you to cope with the
situation.
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Loss and Grief
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Loss is a common theme in most
disaster settings
Common reactions to loss:
• Denial, numbness or shock
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Anger
• Acceptance
• Reorientation
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Loss and Grief – Signs of Trouble
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Avoiding or minimizing emotions
Using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate
Using work or other distractions to avoid
feelings
Hostility and aggression toward others
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Activity # 7 – Another point of
view
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Activity: Break into small groups of 3-4 people & discuss
the situations and possible emotional responses of the
following people:
•
•
•
•
A widow. Your home burned down, the cause is not yet
determined.
A parent. Your home burned down and you have lost all
your work tools in the fire.
A teenager. Your home burned down and your parents were
injured in the fire while rescuing you and your sister.
A recent immigrant to this country. Your home has burned
down and it brings back memories of war in your homeland.
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Emotional Numbness or
Extreme Agitation
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Immediate attention is needed
Possible referral for professional care
When referring:
• Inform the person of your intention
• Recognize that the referral may cause a
negative reaction
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Guiding Principles in Providing
Psychological Support
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First protect from danger
Focus on physical and material care
Be direct, active and remain calm
Focus on the “here and now” situation
Provide accurate information about the
situation
Assist with mobilization of resources
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Guiding Principles in Providing
Psychological Support (cont)
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Do not give false assurances
Recognize the importance of taking
action
Reunite with family members
Provide and ensure emotional support
Focus on strengths and resilience
Encourage self-reliance
Respect feelings and cultures of others
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Stress and Coping
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Activity # 8 – Guiding Principles
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Give an example of something specific
you could say or do in each of the
previously discussed principles.
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Crisis Intervention
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Observe safe practices by showing
concern for your own safety
Remain calm and appear relaxed,
confident and non-threatening
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Crisis Intervention Steps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Assess the situation
Establish rapport
Identify the main problem (s)
Deal with feelings and emotions
Generate and explore alternative coping
strategies
Formulate an action plan
Follow up
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Stress and Coping
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