Toolkit Idea Topic 15-Psychological Effects

Hi Everyone. This is the 15th of 27 Idea Topics
I listed on three sheets of paper called:
"A Toolkit of Ideas for people With A Hearing Loss"
Sheet 1 Introduction Ideas 4 topics
Sheet 2 Toolkit Ideas 18 topics
Sheet 3 Closing Ideas 5 topics

NOTE:This will be the last topic this year.
Nest topic 16 Lipreading/Speechreading will be
Monday Jan 7, 2008 because of the holidays.

15 PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS:
Need to understand stages of grief & stress.
1 GRIEF:Applies to more than death including
hearing loss. Grief stages are:
a SHOCK:Condition of sudden drop in blood flow
through the body.
b DENIAL:"I can't be losing my hearing, not me"
c ANGER:"Why me! Emotional state from mild
irritation to intense rage"
d BARGAINING:"If I do so and so, can I put off
my hearing loss for a while"
e DEPRESSION;Sets in when bargaining does not work.
f ACCEPTANCE:I accept my loss of hearing and am
ready to live with it & help myself.

Note:Stages may not appear in this order. Person
may go back and forth among some or all of these
and other emotions.

2 Stress;is any physical, chemical or emotional
factor that causes bodily or mental unrest. Mild
stress is beneficial to do a good job, focus
better and work energetically. Elimination of
stress is unrealistic since stress is a part of
normal life. Symptoms include headache, sleep
disruption, anxiety, anger & depression.

3 Stress Test:How stressed are you?
Looks at 42 life events that you have experienced in
the last year or two. Then total the numbers beside
the events that you checked. Use the key below to
determine if you are mildly,moderately or severely
under stress. Also note the negative effects of high
stress on your body.
Key: 0-149 = mild life stress 30% chance of illness
150-299 = moderate life stress 50% chance of illness
300+ = Major life stress 80% chance of illness
Note:Go to website and type "life stress test", then
click on life stress test and print copy of the test.

4 Stress Management Ideas:
a Physical exercise like walking
b Relaxation & Meditation Techniques
c Imagery & Muscle Relaxation
d Time Management & Organizational Skills
e Support Systems:Loved ones, friends, Neighbors,
Pets, and self-help groups like HLAA, ALDA
& Say What Club.

5 Ways of Helping Yourself:
a Physical Activities
b Share your stress
c Know your limits
d Make time for fun
e Be Active
f Check off your tasks
g It's OK to cry (especially us guys)
h Avoid self medication
i Check with your doctor
j Consider counseling
k Spend time with your loved ones
l Take a course in relaxation or meditation

Let's share our experiences with stages of
grief and stress as it pertains to hearing loss
so others can benefit from our experiences

My best wishes to all of you for a Very Merry
Christmas & A Happy New Year.

Paul from NJ