SIGNS OF STRESS

Behavioral Changes:

• Increase or decrease in activity level.
• Increased alcohol or tobacco use.
• Difficulty expressing yourself or understanding others.
• Irritability, outbursts of anger, frequent arguments.
• Inability to rest or relax.
• Decline in job performance.
• Frequent crying.
• Excessive worry.
• Becoming accident-prone.

Physical Changes:

• Nausea or diarrhea.
• Headaches and other pains.
• Visual disturbances.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Sweating or chills.
• Tremors or muscle twitching.
• Being easily startled.

Psychological/Emotional Changes:

• Feeling heroic, euphoric, or invulnerable.
• Anxiety or fear.
• Depression.
• Guilt.
• Apathy.
• Grief.

Thinking Changes:

• Memory problems.
• Disorientation and confusion.
• Slow thought processes; lack of concentration.
• Difficulty setting priorities or making decisions.

Social Changes:

• Isolation.
• Blaming.
• Difficulty in giving or accepting support or help.
• Inability to experience pleasure or have fun.

SIGNS OF STRESS

Manage Your Workload:

• Set your task priorities with
  realistic work plans.
• Recognize that “waiting” and “not
  having enough to do” alternate
  with being “overwhelmed.”

Balance Your Lifestyle:

• Eat healthy foods and drink water.
• Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol,
  and tobacco.
• Set adequate sleep and rest.
• Get physical exercise.
• Talk to your family and friends
  frequently.

Stress-Reduction Strategies:

• Reduce physical tension
  frequently by methods that work
  for you—take deep breaths,
  gentle stretching, meditation,
  wash face and hands, use
  relaxation techniques.
• Pace self between low- and highstress
  activities.
• Use time off to “decompress” and
  “recharge batteries”—get a good
  meal, read, listen to music, take a
  bath, and talk to family.
• Talk about your feelings to
  coworkers at appropriate times.

Self-Awareness:

• Recognize and heed early
  warning signs of stress.
• Accept that you may not be able
  to self-access problematic stress
  reactions.
• Recognize that over-identifi cation
  with or feeling overwhelmed by
  victims and families grief and
  trauma may signal a need for
  support and consultation.
• Understand the differences
  between professional helping
  relationships and friendships to
  help maintain appropriate roles
  and boundaries.
• Examine personal prejudices and
  cultural stereotypes.
• Recognize when your own
  experience with trauma or your
  own personal history interferes
  with effectiveness.
• Be aware of your personal
  vulnerabilities and emotional
  reactions and the importance of
  team and supervisor support.