Managing Stress and Anxiety Lesson 1: Effects of Stress Lesson 2: Managing Stress Lesson 3: Anxiety and Depression Lesson 4: Being a Resilient Teen

Vocab Words Stress Perception Stressor Psychosomatic Response Chronic Stress

Stress Stress is the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands. -Ex Lost keys, an important test, playing in a big game. -No matter what the source, stress can affect your physical, mental/emotional and social health. Learning to manage stress is an important part of staying healthy.

Perception How much stress you feel depends on your perception of events that cause stress. Perception is the act of becoming aware through the senses. Ex. You and a friend have an argument that you believe has destroyed your friendship. Your friend on the other hand sees the argument as a simple disagreement that you will work out. Because of your perception of the event, this is likely to cause you more stress than your friend.

Reacting to stress Stress is not necessarily good or bad in and of itself, but it can have positive and negative effects. It can motivate you to do your best, and give you extra energy to reach your goals. Ex Some people may perform better under stress of competition. Some effects of stress can be unhealthy. Loosing sleep, being worried about a test you didn’t perform well on, are examples of negative effects of stress

What Causes Stress? To know how to manage stress you need to know what causes it. A Stressor is ANYTHING that causes stress. People, objects, places, events or situations are all potential stressors. -Sound of a siren, going to a new school,

5 Categories of Stress Biological Stress- Illness or injury Environmental Stress- Poverty, Pollution, natural disasters Cognitive or Thinking Stressors- The way you perceive a situation or how it impacts world around you Personal Behavior Stressors- Negative reactions in the body and mind caused by Drugs/ Alcohol or lack of activity Life Situation Stressors- Death of a family member, pet, divorce, trouble with peers

Body’s Stress Response When you perceive a situation or event to be a threat, your body begins a stress response. (Car Alarm goes off when you walk by, your heart rate will increase) 2 major body systems involved: Nervous System, and Endocrine System.

Body’s Response Cont…. Alarm: 1 st stage in the stress response. Body and mind are on high alert. (Referred to as the “fight or flight” because it prepares the body to either defend itself or flee from a threat.

Body’s Response Cont…. Resistance- If exposure to a stressor continues, the next stage is Resistance. During this stage your body adapts to the rush created by the ALARM stage, and reacts to the stressor. In this stage you “fight” or take “flight”. Your body is breifly able to perform at a higher level of endurance. In the case of the “fight” your ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be enhanced. In the case of a “flight” you may be able to run faster or farther than you normally could to escape from danger. In this stage is where people are able to accomplish incredible feats, such as lifting an automobile to save a life.

Body’s Response Cont… Fatigue- Physical Fatigue: muscles work vigorously, tire quickly, reaction time becomes impaired. Psychological Fatigue- result of constant worry, depression, boredom, feeling overwhelmed. Pathological Fatigue- Brought on by body’s defenses in fighting disease (flu etc) being overweight, poor nutrition, use of Drugs/ alcohol

Physical Effects Psychosomatic Response: Physical reaction that results from stress rather than an injury or illness. Psycho means “of the mind” and somatic means “the body” -Psychosomatic Response may include sleep disorders, skin disorders, stomach and digestive problems.

Other Health Problems Caused by Stress: Headache Asthma High Blood Pressure Weakened Immune System

Mental/ Emotional and Social Effects: Difficulty Concentrating Mood Swings Risks of Substance Abuse (many think this will reduce their stress…. Creates a great deal of MORE stress)

Chronic Stress Stress Related with LONG TERM problems that are beyond a person’s control. Strategies for controlling the effects of Stress: -Engage in Physical Activity -Look for support among friends, family -Find a hobby or activity that relaxes you -Avoid using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.