As a mental health specialist, you have been asked to develop an Intervention Action Plan for client information and distribution. You are expected to research this information using sources other than your text (although your text may prove to be a useful starting point). In this research compendium/portfolio you will include the following sections:
1. Stress: This section can introduce the concept of stress. Define and discuss the following professional terminology that might better client understanding: Health psychology; Stress; Stressors; Acute stress; Chronic Stress; Environmental psychology; Eustress, and; Distress
2. The Stress Response System: We all perceive stressors differently and each of us has our own strategies for coping with stress. Having said this, we all have very similar immediate psychological responses to stress. In this section, please include client-friendly information on the Fight or Flight Response, the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) and any Alternative Stress Responses that you might discover.
3. Stressful Life Events: In our lives we encounter stress in varying forms and degrees of severity. Clients may be surprised to discover that the cumulative impact of what we perceive to be minor stressor may be just as significant as the impact of one large-scale event. In this section, provide information (define and explain the how these events relate to and affect stress levels) on the following areas to better client understanding: Catastrophes (include Post-traumatic Stress); Burnout; Significant Life Changes, and; Daily Hassles.
4. Stress and Its Impact on Health: Just as laughter can improve our health, stress can cause our health to deteriorate. Use this section to inform clients of following: Stress and the Heart, Stress and the Immune System, Stress and HIV/AIDS, Stress and Cancer and, Stress and Somatoform Disorders.
5. Coping with Stress: Take a moment and think about it: How do you cope with stress? Everybody has a different answer. There are many coping strategies that can be useful. In this section explore, explain and provide examples of the following: Coping; Anticipatory Coping (worries react to stressors before they are even a reality); Problem-focused coping (a response aimed at reducing, modifying or eliminating a source of stress) and Emotion-focused coping (a response aimed at reducing the emotional impact of the stressor).
6. Stress Management: Use this section to equip clients with hands on, useful information they may use to manage stress. Please use this section to explore the different options available in the management of stress. Include and discuss the benefits of: Social Support; Exercise, Relaxation and Meditation. Your research may provide you with additional techniques, please include them here.