Dr Bernadette Dancy (audio) Health Coach Navigating Panic: The Stress Response Explained | The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

Bernadette is a coach and speaker specializing in stress management. She started her career as a University Lecturer in 2001 teaching Health and Exercise science for 15 years before experiencing burnout and then setting about learning as much as she could about stress in an attempt to not only recover herself but also to help others suffering the same fate. In 2017 she retrained as a health coach specializing in stress management which she continues to do as well as delivering keynote talks on the topic of stress for corporate organizations, elite sports organizations as well as charities. Through her work, she has recognized that whilst stress and burnout are complex conditions that significantly impact health and performance, providing education and a better understanding of stress empowers people to make important changes that help them recover and overcome it. And so, Stress Ed.® was created. http://www.stress-ed.co.uk/   keywordsstress, panic, health coaching, psychology, workplace stress, emotional response, evolutionary psychology, coping mechanisms, mental health, resilience, stress, burnout, workplace responsibility, mental health, recovery, neuro divergence, good stress, chronic stress, research, health psychology summaryIn this conversation, Bernadette Dancy, a health coach with a PhD in stress psychology, discusses the complexities of stress, its definitions, symptoms, and the physiological responses it triggers. She explores the relationship between stress and panic, individual differences in stress responses, and the evolutionary significance of stress. The conversation also delves into the current challenges of workplace stress, highlighting the increasing demands on employees and the impact of communication on stress management. In this conversation, Bernadette discusses the complex interplay between workplace responsibilities and individual accountability in managing stress and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of understanding stress as a nuanced experience that can manifest differently in individuals, particularly those with neurodivergent conditions. Bernadette also highlights the need for recovery and self-awareness in combating chronic stress, while advocating for more research on the effects of stress across different demographics, including gender and neurodivergence. takeaways Stress is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Panic can be a helpful response to perceived threats. Cortisol plays a crucial role in our stress response. Individual experiences shape how we perceive and respond to stress. Stress is essential for survival and evolution. Effective communication can mitigate stress in high-pressure situations. The workplace has evolved, increasing stress levels for many. Many people feel overwhelmed by workplace demands. Understanding stress can lead to better coping strategies. Resilience can be developed through challenging experiences. Workplaces have a significant responsibility for employee well-being. Individuals also need to take responsibility for their mental health. Burnout was not officially recognized until 2019 by the WHO. Stress can manifest in various ways before leading to burnout. There is a distinction between good stress and bad stress. Recovery is essential for managing stress effectively. Basic needs like sleep and nutrition are crucial for stress management. Gender differences in stress responses need more research. Neurodivergent individuals may experience stress differently and more intensely. More research is needed on the intersection of stress and hormonal changes in women.