Sunday, March 4, 2001		Stressbusters

THE present-day world has become multi-cultural, knowledge based and globally oriented. The 20th century has left behind a legacy of disbelief and uncertainty. The 21st century is brimming with promises and bristling with challenges. It is an era of rising opportunity and increasing uncertainty.

The radical acceleration of change, the chaotic tumble of progress and simultaneity of events have unleashed forces which have contributed to anxiety and stress. The world is getting wired, networked and global. It is also getting integrated by technology and communication. We have entered an era of informatics where we deal with the unemotional network of computers, sensors and signals.

Two factors have contributed to the global stress climate": First is the shift from the missiles to the market. Every thing has become market-driven. The market has its own momentum and dynamics. It is ruthless, relentless and remorseless. The second is that the cult of success has replaced the belief in principles. To cope with the stresses generated by the primal power of the market and commercial energy of profit and enterprise without a stable value system, we have to do emotional retooling. A changing world demands redefinition of old concepts. The future will require a wider and more inclusive lens.

Anxiety and stress are our total psycho-biological response to a situation in which we feel vulnerable to a threat or danger.

In prehistoric times, it was important to fight or flee rapidly in the face of danger. These responses were critical for survival and activated psychobiological systems.

The difference between anxiety, fear, phobia, panic and stress

• Comes from the Latin word anxius which means ‘to choke’ or ‘to strangle’.

• That choking feeling is what anxiety refers to — responses of agitation and distress.

• Anxiety is a psychobiological reaction to an appraisal of fear.

• Comes from the Old English word Faer which means ‘sudden calamity or danger’.

• It is an appraisal that there is real or potential danger.

• Because it is an appraisal, it is a cognitive (thought) process rather than an emotional reaction.

• The Greek word phobos means flight.

• Phobia is a reference to a specific fear that is exaggerated and disabling.

• Phobia is usually characterised by an overwhelming wish to avoid the feared situation.

• Comes from the name of the Greek God Pan who was seen by the Greeks as the cause of any sudden unfounded fear.

• It has come to mean a sudden overpowering fright accompanied by increasing or frantic attempts to secure safety.