Certification in Stress Management

MedicineNet defines stress is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. Stresses can be external (from the environment, psychological, or social situations) or internal (illness, or from a medical procedure). Stress can initiate the "fight or flight" response, a complex reaction of neurologic and endocrinologic systems.

Signs and symptoms of stress can be emotional or physical. Emotional symptoms can include becoming easily agitated, feeling frustrated, feeling overwhelmed, mood changes, feeling like you are losing control, having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind, feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), loneliness, depression, and low energy. Physical symptoms associated with stress can include headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, aches, pains, tense muscles,  and rapid heartbeat, insomnia, frequent colds and infections, loss of sexual desire and/or ability, nervousness and shaking, and clenched jaw and grinding teeth.

Stress management is a wide spectrum of techniques and  aimed at controlling a person's level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of and for the motive of improving everyday functioning. Stress produces numerous physical and mental symptoms which vary according to each individual's situational factors. These can include physical health decline as well as depression. The process of stress management is named as one of the keys to a happy and successful life in modern society. Although life provides numerous demands that can prove difficult to handle, stress management provides a number of ways to manage anxiety and maintain overall well-being.

Certification in Stress Management is based on an applicant's knowledge, experience, education and training related to stress and its management. The Certification in Stress Management falls under the Academy's Certification Programs in Traumatic Stress Specialities. Resumes should include relevant information regarding the applicant's knowledge, experience, education and training and supporting documentation should be included with each application.