Vol. 34, No. 6, 56. For Your Health.

• Author: by Sukhpreit Sohi, MD

Wyoming Bar Journal

2011.

Vol. 34, No. 6, 56.

For Your Health

Wyoming LawyerIssue: December, 2011For Your Healthby Sukhpreit Sohi, MD Behavioral Health Services Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

Recognizing Stress in tlie Workplace

In today's fast-paced world, work-related stress is common. Three out of four workers in the United States describe their work as overwhelming. Downsizing, mergers, and layoffs have led to a sense of uncertainty. The United Nations International Labor Organization reports occupational stress is considered to be a "global epidemic."

The economic consequences of workplace stress are very concerning. Approximately $200 billion a year is lost to stress-attributable productivity losses, absenteeism, turnover, workers' compensation claims, and medical insurance costs.

Stress experienced in small amounts can be healthy in certain situations. Stress in small doses may actually allow us to be more focused, goal-oriented, and perform at peak levels. However, constant higher levels of stress can predispose professionals to various physical and psychological health impairments.

The field of law is no exception when it comes to stress. Attorneys are faced with stressful situations daily. All legal professionals experience environmental pressures such as meeting deadlines, more assignments and complicated cases, long hours, conflicts with colleagues, and dealing with difficult clients. Many professionals also may be overly self-critical, ultimately negatively impacting performance.

What exactly happens to our body when we are experiencing stress? Stress is actually a normal physiological response. Our body automatically goes into a flight or fight response when we are faced with a perceived threat. This is a defense mechanism in our bodies that protects us in frightening situations. During times of stress our bodies release adrenaline and Cortisol, also known as the stress hormones. This in turn makes blood pressure rise, increases heart rate, dilates pupils and causes faster breathing. Cortisol also heightens our senses.

How do we recognize stress in ourselves? Stress can present itself in emotional and physical ways. People may not recognize that their physical symptoms are actually a presentation of emotional stress. We can divide symptoms of stress into four aspects:

1. The first aspect of...