Simple Joys & Self-Awareness

I am amazed that everything is so green. In my backyard, the canopy of tree leaves is complete. There is shade. Lawns are greening up, there is a constant whir of lawnmowers, blowers, and edgers in my neighborhood.

I don't remember acknowledging Spring's entry last year, I must have been oblivious to the changing season. This year, there is a newness, and I enjoy the feeling.

Yesterday, I received some nursing continuing education courses in the mail---thumbing through one, I noticed the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale. The scale allows one to score their (or their client's) stressors according to significant life-altering changes. The higher the score, the higher one's risk for depression, anxiety, and decrease in overall health.
This scale has been used for YEARS, and is an accurate measure for the probability of illness based on stressors. As I read through the items on the scale, I was aware that so many of us have greater stressors now as compared to 30 years ago. The changes that people go through now happen at an increased and sustained pace as compared to years past.
If you are curious...see below.
Peace,
Diane


SCORING FOR THE HOLMES-RAHE SOCIAL READJUSTMENT SCALE
Less than 150 life change units
=
30% chance of developing a stress-related illness
150 - 299 life change units
=
50% chance of illness
Over 300 life change units
=
80% chance of illness
Life Events
Score
Death of spouse
100
Divorce
73
Marital separation from mate
65
Detention in jail, other institution
63
Death of a close family member
63
Major personal injury or illness
53
Marriage
50
Fired from work
47
Marital reconciliation
45
Retirement
45
Major change in the health or behavior of a family member
44
Pregnancy
40
Sexual difficulties
39
Gaining a new family member (e.g., through birth, adoption, oldster moving, etc.)
39
Major business re-adjustment (e.g., merger, reorganization, bankruptcy)
39
Major change in financial status
38
Death of close friend
37
Change to different line of work
36
Major change in the number of arguments with spouse
35
Taking out a mortgage or loan for a major purchase
31
Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan
30
Major change in responsibilities at work
29
Son or daughter leaving home (e.g., marriage, attending college)
29
Trouble with In-laws
29
Outstanding personal achievement
28
Spouse beginning or ceasing to work outside the home
26
Beginning or ceasing formal schooling
26
Major change in living conditions
25
Revision of personal habits (dress, manners, associations, etc.)
24
Trouble with boss
23
Major change in working hours or conditions
20
Change in residence
20
Change to a new school
20
Major change in usual type and/oramount of recreation
19
Major change in church activities (a lot more or less than usual)
19
Major change in social activities (clubs, dancing, movies, visiting)
18
Taking out a mortgage or loan for a lesserpurchase (e.g., for a car, TV, freezer, etc.)
17
Major change in sleeping habits
16
Major change in the number offamily get-togethers
15
Major change in eating habits
15
Vacation
13
Christmas season
12
Minor violations of the law(e.g., traffic tickets, etc. )
11
TOTAL
_____