Question

Give an example of a type of stress factor: catastrophe, life changes, or daily hassle. Consider how a person under different circumstances may become ill or stay well when confronted with this stress agent. Discuss factors that can buffer the otherwise adverse influences of long-term stress on health and wellness.

Helpful link: http://athingnamed.com/best-ted-talks-on-anxiety-stress-and-fear/

Answer 1

Give an example of a type of stress factor: catastrophe, life changes, or daily hassle.

A 16 year old boy suddenly losing his father, who was the only source of income and protection, is the biggest stress both the boy and the mother face. The mother had never worked outside and the boy was just in the high school. He has to drop his schooling and go for a job in order to provide for his mother.

Consider how a person under different circumstances may become ill or stay well when confronted with this stress agent.

A person who had a strong up-bringing will stay confident and face the world bravely but a person who always lived under the shadows of his father and lived a comfortable life might very well go down. If the person chooses negative coping strategies such as, drugs, smoking or alcohol, the person is going to become ill and if the person chooses positive coping strategies such as exercise, reading, going to church and meeting different people, they will stay well. The stress agent will haunt him for long and make him sick but the one who was brought up in a scenario where there was less comfort

Discuss factors that can buffer the otherwise adverse influences of long-term stress on health and wellness.

Sports, yoga, meditation, reading, prayer all are very good stress busters. Building relationship with other people and move along with others will definitely help one buffer the adverse influences of long term stress. People who engage actively in various programmes, accept that things everything will pass and believe that life will become normal, will keep the adverse effect of stress away. They also need good people around them to keep them engaged, active and away from stress.