Understanding Anxiety and Stress

1. Understanding Anxiety and Stress Presented by Shelli Branscomb, MSW Intern, Mt. Sinai ADAC and Gloria Benson, Clinical Research Coordinator, ADRC

2. How are you feeling today?

3. Stress is the body's reaction from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious. Stress is caused by an existing stress-causing factor or "stressor” Anxiety is something that makes you feel uneasy, fearful. It is usually multiple stressors or a long-term stressor. You can check with your PCP if you have anxiety. STRESS & ANXIETY: The difference

4. Anxiety Disorders • Anxiety Disorders are longer term anxiety which make it harder to get through your normal day. • There are many types of anxiety disorders. • 3-14% of older adults have anxiety disorders. • Anxiety Disorders can happen with other medical problems like diabetes or depression • Check with you Primary Care Physician if you are concerned about Anxiety Disorders http://nihseniorhealth.gov/anxietydisorders/aboutanxietydisorders/01.html

6. Why do we need stress? Stress is apart of your bodies normal physical response to challenging situations. Stress is a warning system.

7. Why are stress and anxiety challenging? • Affects our health • Relationships • Ability to make decisions • Challenges our ability to get through the day

8. What are some of your current stressors?

9. How can we manage and cope with stress and anxiety?¿Cómo podemos manejar y lidiar con el estrés y la ansiedad?

10. How are you feeling now?

11. How can we manage and cope with stress and anxiety?

12. How does stress impact memory? • When we are stressed it may be harder to remember many things. • Mt. Sinai ADRC: Memory health evaluation • Mt. Sinai ADAC: Free support for caregivers and people impacted by memory health issues • Spanish Caregiver group: every other Monday • English Caregiver group: starts Wednesday Nov. 7th

13. Thank you!