A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions

Introduction

Stress prevention and management should address both the worker and the organization. Adopting a preventive perspective allows both workers and organizations to anticipate stressors and shape responses, rather than simply reacting to a crisis when it occurs (Center for Mental Health Services [CMHS], 2005).

Crisis response workers and managers—which include first responders, public health workers, construction workers, transportation workers, utilities workers, and volunteers—are unique in that they are repeatedly exposed to extraordinarily stressful events. This places them at higher-than-normal risk for developing stress reactions (Pan American Health Organization [PAHO], 2001).

A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions provides a framework for stress management strategies for crisis response workers and managers. These strategies are sufficiently broad so that individuals and groups can select those that best fit their needs and circumstances. Education about stress and its prevention and mitigation through planning are essential.

Content Overview

Chapter I provides a simple overview of the stress cycle and common stress reactions.
Chapter II gives managers strategies for preventing and mitigating stress for themselves and their workers before, during, and after an event.
Chapter III makes suggestions for creating a positive and healthy workplace environment that will reduce the potential for staff stress.
Chapter IV offers tips on self-care for workers and managers alike.
Chapter V gives references and recommended reading.
Chapters VI and VII give selected SAMHSA resources and Internet sites for more information.

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