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What is stress
Mr Lee Eldridge
We are all stressed! And good, if not, we would struggle as human beings. We would not achieve much in our lives without stress. Stress is a natural response to a change in our environment. The
dental industry is no stranger to stress, and it is always around us.
A big factor in dentistry is that stress can come in many different formats, such as patient care, managing a dental practice, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and staying abreast of rapidly evolving technological advancements
and personal events outside. The stress
in the dental industry isn’t limited to the clinical environment; it extends to various dimensions. Practitioners face pressure to maintain the highest standards of patient care and responsibilities. This dynamic blend of clinical, managerial, and personal challenges makes being a dentist in the military susceptible to unique and often intense stress.
Importance of understanding and managing stress
There are two main areas that we need to get to grips with.
1. Understanding stress and why we have it.
2. Managing that stress.
Stress, in its essence, is the body’s natural response to challenging situations or environments, be they physical, emotional, or mental.
It is important that we understand that there are different forms of stress.
1. Eustress
Often regarded as “positive stress,” the motivating force that propels dental professionals to excel in their field. It is the exhilarating feeling that accompanies tackling new clinical challenges, achieving professional milestones such as promotions, or mastering advanced techniques.
2. Distress
On the flip side, distress is the more ominous face of stress. This negative form can significantly impact a dentist’s well-being and job satisfaction. Stress is negative when it exceeds our ability to cope, fatigues body systems and causes behavioural or physical problems. It emerges from the overwhelming burdens of patient anxiety, time
constraints, and clinical complexities that can lead to emotional exhaustion, poor concentration, lack of focus, performance anxiety, and, lastly, burnout.
Stress isn’t merely a psychological state; it leaves a discernible imprint on the body. The body’s “fight or flight” or sympathetic nervous system activates when under stress. This response triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. As I mentioned above, this can be very useful, but if this system is relied on for long periods, it can lead to physical and mental health challenges. Several studies have shown chronic stress exerts a general immunosuppressive effect that suppresses or withholds the body’s ability to initiate a prompt, efficient immune reaction— increasing the risk of sickness and lack of performance.
Common stressors in the military dental industry
It’s crucial to identify the specific stressors that practitioners frequently encounter.
Here are three common causes of stress.
1. Patient Anxiety
Dentists often contend with patients’ dental anxiety, which can range from mild apprehension to paralysing fear. Effectively managing patient anxiety is not only vital for the patients care but also a significant stressor for dental professionals. Awareness of this can help with the relationship between dentist and patient.
2. Time Pressure
The fast-paced nature of dental procedures and tight schedules can create immense time pressures. Dentists must efficiently balance quality care with time constraints, which can lead to elevated stress levels. A significant factor in this time pressure is having a team around you to support and perform just as the dentist.
3. Clinical Challenges
Dental practice can present complex clinical challenges that demand swift and accurate decision-making. Whether it’s a delicate surgical procedure or diagnosing an intricate dental issue, such challenges can be a significant source of stress.
The importance of managing stress
Managing stress is not merely an aspirational
goal but a fundamental prerequisite for the success and well-being of human beings. In whatever field, service or task, well-being is best friends with performance. Therefore, I am surprised how little people invest in managing their stress better.
As we know, improving stress will lead to:
1. Enhanced Care
Stress management equips military dental professionals with the emotional resilience and cognitive clarity required to deliver exceptional patient care. A dentist at ease can more effectively communicate with, and alleviate patient anxiety, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
2. Professional Longevity
Dentists who proactively manage stress are better positioned to enjoy long and fulfilling careers. Preventing burnout, reducing job dissatisfaction, and maintaining enthusiasm for
their work are vital factors in career
longevity.
3. Improved Decision-Making
The dental profession demands high-pressure decision-making, often under time constraints. Stress can impair cognitive function; hence, stress management directly contributes to more accurate, timely, and effective clinical decisions.
4. Work-Life Integration
Effective stress management fosters a healthier work-life balance, allowing dental professionals to pursue fulfilling personal lives alongside their demanding careers.
How can we manage stress?
Research suggests that cultivating mental well-being is crucial for stress management.
Here are some proven ways to support your stress:
1. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques have been shown to reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience. Even short sessions (2-5 mins) have been shown to benefit stress regulation.
2. Physical activity benefits your physical health and is a potent stress reducer. It’s part of military life, which is excellent. Research indicates
that exercise can help lower stress hormones and trigger the release of endorphins, improving mood and cognitive function.
3. Incorporate breathwork exercises, like deep or box breathing, into your
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