1. Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and Management
STRESS!!!
Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and Management

2. What is stress? Your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand
Psychological (mental/emotional) & physical response

3. How do we respond? “Fight or Flight”
When our bodies defenses kick into a high gear, automatic response--also known as ‘fight or flight’
Meant to protect and support us

4. Stress Activity
Instructions: Write a brief example of a potentially stressful situation and a response to the stressor.
Situations that I feel angry about…
Situation that I feel frustrated about…
Situations that I feel worried about…
Situations that I feel happy about…
Situations that take a lot of time…
Situations that take money…

5. Signs & Symptoms
Cognitive
Emotional
Physical
Behavioral

6. Cognitive Symptoms Memory problems Indecisiveness
Inability to concentrate
Trouble thinking clearly
Poor judgment
Seeing only the negative
Anxious or racing thoughts
Constant worrying
Loss of objectivity
Fearful anticipation

7. Emotional Symptoms Feeling tense and “on edge” Moodiness
Feeling overwhelmed
Sense of loneliness and isolation
Depression or general unhappiness
Moodiness
Agitation
Restlessness
Short temper
Irritability; impatience
Inability to relax

8. Physical Symptoms Headaches and/or backaches
Muscle tension and stiffness
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea, dizziness
Insomnia
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
Changes in breathing patterns

9. Physical Symptoms cont’d…
Weight gain or loss
Body temp increases
Sweating
Skin breakouts
Hives, eczema
Frequent colds

10. Behavioral Symptoms Overeating or under eating Angry outbursts
Drug or alcohol abuse
Tobacco use
Social withdrawal

11. Causes Major life changes Daily hassles and demands
Environmental stressors
Family & relationship stressors
Work stressors
Social stressors

12. Causes Internal causes: Uncertainty or worries Pessimistic attitude
Self-criticism
Unrealistic expectations/beliefs
Perfectionism
Low self-esteem
Excessive or unexpressed anger
Lack of assertiveness

13. Top 3 causes for teens:
School
Family
Friends

14. Top 10 Stressors 10.) A teacher who doesn’t like you.
9.) School issues.
8.) Re-marriage of a parent.
7.) Moving to a new school.
6.) Birth of a brother or sister.

15. Top 10 Stressors cont’d… 5.) Not having enough money.
4.) Wondering if someone thinks you’re attractive.
3.) Taking a test.
2.) Fight with a friend or a sibling.
1.) Parent(s) having problem(s).

16. Effects of Chronic Stress
Physical effects:
Chronic pain
Migraines
Ulcers
Heartburn
High BP
Heart disease
Diabetes
Asthma
Obesity
Infertility
Autoimmune diseases
IBS
Skin problems
Emotional effects:
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Substance abuse

17. Take Charge! Change the situation: Change your reaction:
Avoid the stressor
Alter the stressor
Change your reaction:
Accept the stressor
Adapt to the stressor

18. Stress Management Avoid unnecessary stress: Learn how to say “NO”
Avoid people who stress you out
Take control of your environment
Avoid hot-button topics
Re-evaluate your to-do list

19. Stress Management Alter the situation:
Express your feelings instead of bottling them up
Be willing to compromise
Be more assertive
Manage your time better

20. Stress Management Accept the things you can’t change:
Don’t try to control the uncontrollable
Look for the upside
Share your feelings
Learn to forgive

21. Stress Management Adapt to the stressor: Reframe problems
Look at the big picture
Adjust your standards
Focus on the positive

22. What can you do? Set aside relaxation time
Do something you enjoy, every day
Surround yourself with positive people
Keep a sense of humor