Stress Management Program

What is Stress?

Stress, as most of us use the word, might better be called "distress." It is a state of tension between a person and his or her environment. It is an unpleasant feeling we experience when we are overwhelmed by outside pressures or events. Many authorities consider stress-related problems the most serious current challenge to our health.

What are the Consequences of Stress?

Medical research has found that chronic stress can wear out the body and mind by attacking them through various illnesses and disorders. Among the more common ailments with a possible stress component are heart disease, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Stress can also affect job performance as well as relationships.

What Causes Stress?

Things that cause stress are called "stressors." How we perceive an event may be more important in causing stress than the event itself. What is stressful for one person may actually be stimulating to another. Some common stressors are major life changes, job pressures, "Type A" behavior, relationship or family problems and chronic illness. Stress is considered to be one of the 10 leading work-related health problems.

Stress Management Program

What Do Participants Learn?

By the end of the program, participants will:

• Identify the stressors in their life
• Develop positive attitudes
• Learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• Understand how to use stress as a positive force

What is the Format of the Program?

The Stress Management classes meet for six consecutive, weekly, seventy-five minute classes. Classes usually meet in the evening and have up to fifteen participants. Each class focuses on assessing and coping with a specific stressor, as well as increasing relaxation skills. Homework practice is assigned each week, and may take up to twenty minutes a day to complete. Audio cassettes and educational videotapes assist in the learning process.

Do I Have to be Referred by a Doctor?

About 50% of the participants in these classes are referred by their doctor or other health care professional, but many participants are self-referred following an initial interview with one of the Department's clinical staff.

What is the Computerized Stress Inventory?

The Computerized Stress Inventory is a questionnaire completed by each participant. It is a computer-scored stress and coping "check-up" which provides each participant with a six to seven page stress profile listing their stressors and strengths, as well as suggestions for changing the stressors.

Where Do the Classes Meet?

The Stress Management classes are held at Lahey Clinic's Burlington site and Peabody site.

How Do I Get More Information, or Sign Up?

If you have a physician, counselor, or other health care professional at Lahey Clinic, you may wish to ask them for a referral. If you are seeing a counselor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, ask them for more information. If you are not currently a Lahey patient, you can call and set up an appointment with one of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine's clinicians for an initial interview and screening for the class. Appointments can be made by calling (781) 744-8930.

Who Leads the Group?

John Garrison, Ph.D. conducts the Stress Management Class. Dr. Garrison is a licensed psychologist and Lahey Medical Staff Member who has written and lectured widely on the topic of stress and society, and has been teaching Stress Management for over ten years. Advanced Stress Management Classes are periodically offered by other departmental staff members.

How Much Does it Cost?

Participants' insurance often pays all or part of the fee (with the usual copayment). The cost is about $240 for all six sessions. Fees for Advanced Classes are established on an individual class basis.