Stress

What is stress? O Stress is the way your body reacts to a difficult or demanding situation. O It can have positive and negative results. O A stressors is the thing or things that are causing you to feel stressed.

Where does it come from? O It can come from a serious life- changing situation like moving or a death in the family, or it can come from a small everyday event like missing the school bus.

O Stress is normal, everyone experiences it at some point. O However, having too much stress can have negative effects on your overall wellness.

Signs of stress O Heart beating fast O Faster breathing O Bursts of energy O Sadness or depression O Mood swings O Sudden tense or angry feelings O Headaches O Back pain O Upset stomach O Trouble sleeping

Fight or flight O Physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension that prepare you for immediate action in a situation- whether it be to flee, fight, or freeze. O Fighting the stress means taking action to cope with the stressor- not necessarily physically harming it. O Fleeing, or running away, may feel like the best option at the moment, but it does not solve the problem, it only puts it off.

Managing your Stress 1. Identify the stressor 2. Consider all possible solutions for removing or minimizing stress 3. Identify the consequences of the situation 4. Select the best solution 5. Make and implement an action plan 6. Evaluate the results

Activity O In groups of 3-4 read through the situation given and answer the questions. You will be presenting your responses to the class.

What can you do about stress? O Learning to cope, or deal with and overcome your stressor will help you solve the problems being created by a stressor. O What are some bad ways people deal with stress? O Failing to learn how to cope with stress can lead to anger, anxiety, and depression

What is Anxiety? Anxiety: is a condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen. O Symptoms include: Feeling fear or dread perspiration, trembling, restlessness, or muscle tension rapid heart rate, light headedness, or shortness of breath

What is depression? Depression: is a prolonged feeling of hopelessness, helplessness, or sadness. O There are two different types of depression. Reactive depression: O -Is a response to a stressful event such as a death of a friend or family member. Major Depression: O - It is a condition requiring treatment. it is more severe and last longer that reactive depression.

Symptoms of Teen Depression. Irritable or restless mood Withdraw from friends and activities A change in appetite or weight Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Sense of hopelessness Ways to Manage Teen Depression Write your feeling in a private journal Draw, dance, or engage in another activity talk about your feelings with your family or friends Do something nice for someone else

Good examples of coping with stress are: O Relax, breathe deeply O Do something you enjoy O Stretch or do something physically active O Prioritize- rank thing in order of importance to decide what needs to be done O Accept what you cannot change O Positive attitude O Express your feelings O Take steps to avoid a situation in the future talk to someone you trust

O Managing your time and being prepared for stress can help you to avoid situations that can be stressful. O Making a time journal can help you realize where you are wasting time that can be used to