The Stress-Vulnerability Model
This idea basically says that as stress increases, if we reach a point where we are overwhelmed by it and unable to cope effectively, then mental health experiences will arise. All people are on this line and for each of us the type of mental health experiences that occur can be very different. If these experiences are not addressed then they will continue to increase in intensity. This is a Continuum Model of mental health.
In talking about altered states (for example, schizophrenia, psychosis, voice hearing, visual experiences, paranoia and extreme beliefs) the author Landa, states “...at different levels of distress all people are capable of having such experiences.” So she is pointing out that any human can go through psychosis if the stressors are high enough and if our coping skills aren’t able to help us resolve the situation. This is very important to remember since so many people who go through altered states feel like they are alone and different than others. So please know that millions of people have gone through this and so many of them work their way out of it.
- Landa, Y. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp): An introductory manual for clinicians. Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Center. Retrieved from https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn2/docs/CBTp_Manual_VA_Yulia_Landa_2017.pdf
Journaling:
Have you ever heard about this model? Do you feel it might be accurate in your own life? In the lives of your family members?
What situations in your life feel like they may have been too much to cope with for you at that time? Do you feel like you would be able to cope with them more now? If yes, why is that? What may have changed so that you feel more able to cope now? If not, are there things you’d like to learn so that you can cope more in the future?
What are several main ways your family members cope with stress? Do you all talk about stress when it comes up? Are there unspoken rules about who can bring up stress as a topic or who is allowed to experience stress and who isn’t? What ideas do you possibly have about how you all as a family can deal with stress better?
Do you have any specific coping skills that you feel are especially helpful? Do you ever share them with others? Are there any that you can teach to your family or friends?
Do you feel your treatment team (anyone who is involved in your overall plan to help get the life you want) is aware of the Stress-Vulnerability Model? Would you want to educate them on it? Do you feel they would be open to that and listen?
If you wanted to look up information about this model what questions would you want to answer? Where would you look?
Changing our focus:
Check in with how your surroundings are feeling next to you right now. Notice the details of the clothing you are wearing and the feel of it. Pay attention to any jewlry you might be wearing to see if it feels heavy or light. If you have socks on are they tight or comfortable? Is the temperature warm, cool, comfortable or irritating? Is the thing you are sitting or standing on hard or soft? None of these things are especially important in the larger view of life but just this moment paying attention to them can give you a break from your thoughts and what you were just focused on. This can be a great thing to practice. Take care.