Class teaches Scott personnel how to reduce and cope with stress Published Nov. 24, 2010 By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Everyone deals with stress. Sometimes this can be a good thing, especially in situations in which the flight-or-fight response, a reaction designed for survival, is triggered. Prolonged stress, however, can be detrimental to a person's physical and mental health. In an effort to better equip Scott personnel to handle stress, the 375th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Office, located in the Scott Family Clinic, offers a Stress Management Seminar the second and third Tuesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. "Stress is a physical, mental or emotional strain that can cause reactions physically, hormonally, or mentally," said Airman 1st Class Samantha Mangrich, 375th MDOS mental health technician. The class includes information about factors that contribute to stress, and people's unique reactions to stress. Habits such as a pessimistic attitude, inability to trust others, and alcohol or drug addictions can enhance stress while habits such as a positive attitude, exercise, and realistic expectations can greatly decrease the stress felt by an individual. Technology can also have a tremendous impact on stress levels. Though technology enables us to be more connected than ever with our loved ones, the constant connectedness also makes it difficult to get even a brief reprieve from life issues. Other contributing factors include relationships, work and many others. Similar to contributing factors, reactions to stress vary from person to person. While one person might get muscular tension or sweat when stressed, another might become confused, irritable or even angry. Some reactions to stress are learned in the womb. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can reach a fetus across the placenta, meaning if a mother was stressed during pregnancy the baby is likely to react more to stress. The method of birth also contributes to stress reactions. Women are also more likely to feel stress as a result of high levels estrogen which can triple the manufacturing of stress-related hormones. Despite feeling a disproportionate level of stress, women are more likely to interact socially and seek help faster, both of which lead to coping with stress in a healthier manner and potentially a longer life span. Diaphragmatic breathing is also taught in the seminar as a way to ingest oxygen more fully to creating a calming effect. "The goal of the class is to provide tools to keep stress manageable," said Airman Mangrich. "Relaxing, exercise, and having an optimistic outlook, as well as doing fun things and just being with friends are very helpful." The stress management seminar is held on the same days as the Mental Health Office's anger management class since the two issues are often related. Both classes are voluntary and a medical record will not be opened for attending either class. These classes do not take the place of a medical visit; anyone who thinks they need medical help should contact their primary care manager. The Mental Health Office also offers individual counseling. For more information, call 256-7203.