1. Responses to Stressful Situations and Positive Coping
Obj:9.MEH.1.1: I will identify the body’s physical and psychological responses to stressful situations and positive coping mechanisms

2. Warm-up
On your paper, label your body with what it feels like when you are under stress.

3. Healthy Amounts of Stress
Stress acts as a motivator, but too much stress can lead to mental illness such as anxiety or depression.
Stress is designed to optimize performance.

4. Stressors before Modern Civilization
Need for food
Need for water
Need for shelter
Successfully hunting and gathering
Surviving constant threats in life
All of which are functional and have to do with survival

5. Stress Management in Ancient Civilizations
Worship
Hieroglyphics
Constellations
Finding meaning in life
All designed to add meaning to life

6. Teenage Stress?
What causes you stress?

7. Stressors in the Modern World?
Unemployment
Financial difficulties
Unhappy in career
Children
Relationship problems
Deadlines: homework,
career, taxes, bills
All of which do not threaten ones life. These stressors are derrived from the humans ambition to be successful in our modern society. It is important to not that these are stressors that have the potential to be continuous and engrained in our daily life. So even though these stressors seem petty and miniscule, it is important to note that they have the potential to be long term stressors….resulting in anxiety/depression etc.

8. Alarm Stage: Fight or Flight
Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream
Physiological responses include:
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Increased breathing
Muscles tense
Sweating
Hearing becomes more acute
More blood is sent to the muscles for quick movement
For more effects, see Appendix 1 on the Lesson Plan.

9. Resistance Stage Acts as an equalizer
Brings body functions back to stability
Needs to be a healthy balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic. These 2 systems are constantly active, thus constantly trying to maintain balance.

10. Exhaustion Stage Energy is depleted
Body returns to normal if stress is removed
Body returns to alarm stage if stress continues which can result in stress-related diseases:
Skin disorders
Gastrointestinal upset
Menstrual irregularities
Cardiovascular disorders

11. Physical Signs of Stress
Headache
Increased sweating
Sweaty palms
Tightness of chest
Diarrhea
Nervous stomach
Slumped posture
Inability to fall asleep
Dry mouth
Increase in crying
Fatigue
Neck or backache

12. Psychological Response to Stress
Irritability
Angry outburst
Impatience
Nightmares
Loss of interest
Anxiety / nervousness
Negative thinking
Jealousy
Forgetfulness
Lowered self-esteem
Inability to concentrate
Focusing on the past
Resistant to change
Preoccupation

13. Behavioral Signs of Stress
Restlessness
Fidgeting
Carelessness
Loss of appetite or overeating
Unable to sleep
Chronic fatigue
Decreased productivity
Increase in alcohol/drug use
Increase in risk taking
Withdrawing from relationships

14. Stress-Related Diseases & Conditions
Gastrointestinal disorders
Skin Disorders
Cancer
Cardiovascular disorders
Depression
Anxiety

15. Positive & Negative Stress Management Today
Eat
Exercise
Hurt self
Prayer and meditation
Rx medications
Smoking/ drinking/ drugs
Talking to friends and family
Television, reading, or listening to music
As the class to examine which stress management tools are healthy, unhealthy, or could be either one.

16. Positive Coping Strategies
How do you cope with stress?