1. Strategies for Managing Stress
Dr. Jackie Gilson
CPS School Psychologist

2. What is stress? Different kinds of stress: Distress Eustress
Stress is normal.
Stress is important.
Stress helps you succeed.
Mental health as a continuum.
What is stress?

3. 10 5
Stress Yard Stick

4. Examples of Cognitive Distortions
Become a good consumer of the vocabulary you are using. Ex. “I’m freaking out” Become aware of the language at home-you can be a catalyst of change Be aware of the vocabulary your friends are using. Stay away from drama and relationships that don’t support your mental health.
Examples of Cognitive Distortions

5. Examples of Cognitive Distortions (cont’d)
Polarized thinking (all or nothing)
Tunnel Vision (seeing only what fits, usually negative)
Overgeneralization (conclusion based on 1 incident)
Arbitrary Inference (conclusion contrary to data)
Perfectionism (distorted standards)
Personalization (tying external events to yourself without basis)
Right-fighting (being right is most important)
Catastrophizing (expect disaster-no matter what)
Examples of Cognitive Distortions (cont’d)

6. Cognitive Distortions
We ALL do this
The key is to become aware of them!
When distressed -make a list! Get it out of your head and decide:
What do I have control over?
What do I not have control over?
Anxiety is created whenever you try to control things you have no control over!
Honesty=integrated mental health.
You are as sick as your secrets.
Cognitive Distortions

7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Thoughts Feelings
Behaviors
What else can we do?

8. More Strategies Thoughts
Minimize stress by cutting down on non-essentials
What is your standard?
“What’s the worst that could happen?”
Challenge distorted thinking and negative core beliefs
Feelings
What are the things that make you calm and happy? List
at least 10 things that restore you and do them!
Behaviors
Exercise, diet, sleep (!)
Predictable, supportive peers and family relationships
Modeling. For yourself and those around you.
Meditation and relaxation techniques
More Strategies

9. CPS School psychologist serving Lane Tech and DeVry High Schools
Jackie Gilson, EdD, NCSP
CPS School psychologist serving Lane Tech and DeVry High Schools
Thank you!