M5 - Learner Manual
5. Evaluate Responses
5.3. Recognise effects of stress in self and manage using recognised stress management techniques
Positive and negative stress
When we are feeling a little pushed or excited, but are in control of the situation, this is known as ‘positive’ stress. This is manageable stress that keeps life interesting. ‘Negative’ stress is when there is more happening in our lives than we can cope with. If we are feeling things are getting out of our control, our stress levels are too high.
Recognising stress
It is important to recognise when you and others around you are experiencing stress. Become familiar with emotional warning signs of stress.
Once stress has been recognised, something can be done about it. Stress should not be swept under the carpet or left to grow. Stress that has built up over time can have bad effects on individuals and the organisation as a whole.
Signs of stress
You should always be on the lookout for signs of stress in yourself and others. Stress can show itself in physical ways as well as in the way we behave
Individual differences
While there are some common signs of stress, it is important to realise that everyone is different. Your signs of stress might be different from someone else’s. For example, some people lose their appetite for food when they are stressed, others eat more. Some withdraw and say nothing, others get very angry. Usually a person’s behaviour changes when they are stressed, so if you notice someone around you behaving differently or complaining of health problems, be alert to the possibility that they may be feeling stress. You should also be aware of your own signs of stress so that you can find ways to reduce the stress when you feel it happening.
Confidentiality & trust
People who are experiencing stress need to be supported and encouraged. They need to know that whatever they tell you will be kept confidential.
People need to know they can trust you not to tell others if they open up their hearts and tell you private things. If you do not feel comfortable in dealing with an issue, let the person know straight away. Suggest who they could go to for help. Reassure them anything they have told you will be kept confidential.
Culturally appropriate strategies
It is important to identify culturally appropriate ways to relieve or prevent stress. It is always better to try to prevent stress rather than try to deal with stress once it gets out of hand. Culturally appropriate strategies to relieve stress can include:
· working together
· sharing the load
· supporting others
· choosing appropriate person to deal with stress
· talking about problems
· listening to others
· allowing time off for cultural and family obligations
· providing training & mentoring
· dealing with issues in a non-threatening way
· allowing time to make decisions
· understanding historical context of stress
· avoiding singling people out and causing shame by discussing their stress in front of others
· considering the feelings of others and support people who are experiencing stress.
Strategies for reducing stress
There are many ways stress can be reduced. The following are some strategies your organisation should be using to reduce stress: building teamwork planning and setting clear goals prioritising sharing workloads putting on extra resources renegotiating timelines managing conflict using family support time out organising social activities providing training & mentoring networking awareness raising recognising negative behaviours expressing feelings reward and praise good work be a good role model.
Organisations
Once an organisation has agreed on appropriate strategies to reduce stress, they should be put in place. Everyone has a role to play in the reduction of stress in an organisation. Stress can affect everyone, so all Board Members, management and staff should be seeking ways to prevent and reduce stress. You need to pay particular attention to finding ways to reduce your own stress. Otherwise you will not be able to function well as a member of your organisation.
The nature of the work in a custodial setting can increase a person’s risk of being stressed. It is really important that organisation policies in detention centres, correctional centres or prisons, community corrections offices, justice administration offices and on work sites where detainees, prisoners or offenders are under statutory supervision recognise the importance of managing stress. This is especially important in the context of conflict management and for people who are regularly dealing with conflict situations and / or traumatic events. Special stress management processes are often incorporated into organisational polices to assist employees.
Queensland Example: ‘Managing Traumatic Events at Work’
Please refer “Annexure E” for an example of an organisational Policy Directive on ‘Managing Traumatic Events at Work’. The purpose of this policy is described as being aimed at minimising the effects of a traumatic event’s (including conflict situations) on staff. The policy is aimed at ensuring the equity, safety and health of their agency staff. You will see that section 2.1 describes examples of traumatic events. Then sections 9, 10 and 11 deal with debriefing processes for staff, including engaging with family (see section 8).
This policy deals with serious examples of conflict situations, but you can see that the overall approach and aim of the policy is to reduce the stress and manage the stress that has been caused by the situation.