Session objectives

What is Stress? Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body's defences kick into a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” Understand what it is 2

What is Stress? The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you and also helps you rise to meet challenges But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life Understand what it is – explain teenager stress lasts longer than adults as their brains are not fully developed 3

What are the Triggers? Recognise the stress triggers – What stresses your child?

Identify The Signs of Stress Cognitive Symptoms Emotional Symptoms Memory problems Inability to concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying Moodiness Irritability or short temper Agitation, inability to relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness Physical Symptoms Behavioural Symptoms Aches and pains Diarrhoea or constipation Nausea Dizziness Chest pain, rapid heartbeat Frequent colds Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little Isolating yourself from others Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing, self harm) What is your teenager feeling?

Shrink The Stress Find out what things help your teenager to cope better with stress and encourage them to do this

Training The Mind Headspace Animation Accepting the Mind

Practice this and it will become a habit for life. 3 Minute Breathing Space Mark Williams Track 8 Exercise 4 – 3 Minute Breathing Space – Instant support when stressed – Mark Williams Track 8 Practice this and it will become a habit for life.

www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk www.youngminds.org.uk Contacts for support and page 11 of planner www.youngminds.org.uk