26
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace for Illinois Professionals, 2nd edition: Summary
Body Systems Responses to Stress Cardiovascular System Blood pressure rises, and hypertension may occur if the stress is long term. Blood vessels constrict, which makes it harder for blood to reach body systems and provide the nourishment tissues and organs require.
Flashbacks Memories of the harassment that are so acute the person believes the harassment is occurring now. During a flashback, it may be challenging to connect with reality. People may even feel as though the harasser is physically present. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder This is a trauma-related and stressor-related disorder. It can occur after experiencing or witnessing severe trauma such as sexual harassment. PTSD can range from mild to severe and affects all aspects of a person’s life. Self-harm Self-harm is the deliberate harming of oneself or self-injury that occurs when a person inflicts physical harm on herself. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) If the harassment includes physical contact, bacterial or viral STIs may be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral contact. Pregnancy may also be a concern if the harassment includes sexual activity. Substance Abuse Persons who have been sexually harassed may seek ways to feel better and escape dealing with the stress and impact of the trauma. Dissociation Dissociation is detachment from reality and can range from mild—for example, daydreaming—to severe when it becomes chronic and makes it difficult to function at work, at home, or in social situations. Eating Disorders Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder may develop. Some survivors of sexual harassment use food to establish control over their lives and deal with trauma. Warning signs of eating disorders include dramatic weight gain or loss; preoccupation with food, calories, and dieting; frequent trips to the bathroom to purge food that has been eaten; and refusing to eat out.
LEARNING TIP! Stress also leads to the release of cholesterol into the bloodstream. This can lead to atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which increases the risk of a heart attack (Harvard Health, 2020).
Gastrointestinal System In the acute stage of stress, blood flow is diverted from the gastrointestinal system to muscles that need it as part of the flight-or- fight response. Digestion slows, intestinal blood vessels constrict, and peristalsis and intestinal tone decrease. Unrelieved or prolonged stress can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or chronic constipation. Immune System Elevated adrenal hormonal levels during stress inhibit the body’s production of T lymphocytes, which are critical to the adequate response of the immune system. This can increase susceptibility to infection and other immune system–related diseases and disorders. Mental Health Issues Related to Stress Depression Approximately 50% of people who die by suicide have seen their primary care provider within the prior month, with only 20% seeking care from specialty mental health services. Of people with undiagnosed depression, 15% commit suicide.
Powered by FlippingBook