Stress Assessment Tool Series
Stress Assessment A-1
In this stress assessment tool, Tade exhibits stress and anxiety symptoms related to her OCD, including an obsessive hatred and fear of cats and compulsions such as hair pulling and switching on and off light switches for a certain number of times before she can continue normal tasks. These obsessions and compulsions impact her family and friends, adding additional stress to her daily life. Despite the impact of these obsessions and compulsions she does not have interest in eliminating or allaying her obsessions and compulsions. In addition to her OCD, she describes symptoms of depression and a breakup with her boyfriend because of her obsessions. At work, Tade feels her OCD symptoms invite her coworkers to take advantage of her. She describes having limited and inadequate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress. Growing up,+ her mother was always angry at Tade for her obsessions and compulsions and the only person she had to talk to was her boyfriend, who recently broke up with her.
Stress Assessment A-2
As a police officer, Jessica describes having an unpredictable and stressful, yet meaningful line of work. Jessica displays agitation and reluctance to answer the interviewer’s questions and insists that she is able to handle all the tasks related to her job. To cope with stress, she runs and also writes in a journal. She says she is not currently dating and “used to” go to her co-workers for support. When asked to elaborate she declines to answer.
Stress Assessment A-3
Susie displays a depressed and anxious affect. The main stressor in her life is her inability to sleep. She gives run-on answers as she describes “zoning out” in college classes, causing difficulty with coursework, and describes relationship difficulties with her boyfriend, who she thought was in love with her. She describes waking up well before her classes, but yet arrives late and cannot understand why. Six years ago, Susie’s father diagnosed her as having depression and she began treatment with medication. Her parent’s “condition” for her attending college was that she have her depression “in-check.” She describes being overwhelmed with numerous stressors. Her primary coping mechanism for stress is listening to music but that creates issues with her boyfriend. She emphasizes that she does not have any role models or people who can help her deal with her stress.
Stress Assessment A-4
John describes “normal” stressors in his life as being his girlfriend and wrestling. He reports he cannot wrestle unless he obtains a note from a doctor. John exhibits some agitation with the interviewer’s questions. He does not feel he has any issues with stress that he cannot handle himself. To cope with daily stressors, John works out and wrestles. He reports that he has his girlfriend, parents, and brother with whom he can talk to as needed.
Stress Assessment A-5
Karen is currently experiencing a high amount of stress caused by her son and his conduct disorder related problems, which led to a recent separation from her husband. She sought help from a school counselor and admits to drinking alcohol to cope. She used to do yoga and recognizes that it did help her in the past. Karen has several girlfriends she says she can talk with about her stress, but misses speaking with her husband since they separated.
Stress Assessment A-6
Sarah is currently experiencing increased stressed due to her husband’s recent retirement. She feels that since he retired, he lost his sense of purpose and she needs time to herself. She also describes stress related to the absence of a relationship between her husband and son, whom she feels she has been raising on her own. The five-week duration of these issues, has given her a sense of helplessness, but she does have hope that life can change for the better. Sarah demonstrates someone who can give thoughtful, sophisticated, mature responses. She has good insight into the causes of her stress and ways in which she can possibly remedy her stress. Although she does not feel there are people close to her that she can speak with, other than her children, she sought out various methods to cope, including researching coping methods online, attending church, exercising, and taking prescription medication.
Stress Assessment Tool A-7
Mrs. Davis is currently dealing with challenges related to her daughter Katie’s temper. Katie’s tantrums have not stopped and have added stress to her family, including stress in her relationship with her husband. As a result from the increased stress, Mrs. Davis feels as if she is failing her child and admits that she feels like she doesn’t like her daughter. Mrs. Davis demonstrates someone who provides thoughtful, sophisticated, and mature responses. Lately, she describes feelings that are more sadness than depression. She sought out help to deal with the stress, contacting therapists and her daughter’s teachers, but does not feel there are any “tools” that she can use to help deal with the problem. As for her own stress, she does not smoke or use drugs, but drinks and has various methods to relax such as exercise, music, baths, and cleaning the house, which she describes as giving her a sense of control. She provides clear insight into the importance of coping mechanisms and how they helped her and her husband’s relationship. As a result of the stress, she feels she cannot confide in her husband like she used to, but has a network of support from her friends.
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