1. በስመ ኣብ ወወልድ ወመንፈስ ቅዱስ ኣሓዱ ኣምላክ ኣሜን።
Teen Stress

2. Example 1
Seventeen-year-old Marissa is juggling many roles. She has a demanding part-time job, plays two varsity sports, is studying for the SATs, and is trying to decide where to go to college and how to pay for it. She also has a term paper and an Internet project due this week, needs to find a date and a dress for the prom, is worried that she has gained five pounds, and is afraid that her best friend is mad at her. While Marissa used to feel confident and excited by life's challenges, she has recently been feeling overwhelmed, out of control and "stressed out."

3. Marissa's story is typical of the daily pressures teens face.

4. Example 2
Dave, a college student, has been feeling extremely tense. In addition to taking a full course load at school, he is also working 30 hours a week at a record store. He often feels rushed and irritable— his girlfriend has noticed his short fuse. Sometimes he feels unable to meet the demands of his daily activities. Even though he is exhausted at the end of every day, he has trouble falling asleep. His appetite has decreased, and sometimes he even feels paranoid. He is tired of feeling like he is being pulled in several directions at once.

5. What is stress?
Our thoughts, feelings and beliefs about a situation can make stress good (pleasant) or bad (unpleasant). For example, Nicole's mother informed her that they will be moving to a new city. Moving to a new place is a stressor that will automatically cause Nicole some stress since it is a "change".

6. "Stress" is defined as the way our bodies and minds react to life changes. Since adolescence is a period of significant change, including physical, emotional, social, and academic changes, many teens are under more stress than at any other time of life.

7. According to a survey 85% of teens say they are stressed out
Teen Stress
According to a survey 85% of teens say they are stressed out

8. Stress is as common for young individuals as it is for adults
Difference: an adolescent’s body and mind are still developing and adolescents typically are not as skilled in coping with stress as adults

9. Some Common Reasons for Stress
The pressure of expectations from self and from others
The pressure at school from teachers, coaches
Career decisions
The pressures due to grades and homework
Strained relationship with classmates
Pressure to fit in with peer groups and measure up to others

10. Some Common Reasons for Stress
Strained relationship with parents/siblings
Physical and biological changes in the body during adolescence
Negative feelings about oneself/low self-esteem
Heated arguments with or between parents
Pressure to try drugs, alcohol or sex

11. More Common Reasons for Stress
Financial problems in the family
Tragedy in the family (e.g. death, divorce, cancer, AIDS)
Break up with boyfriend/girlfriend
Separation or divorce of parents
Pressure to wear certain types of clothing or hairstyles

12. More causes of Stress overload
Being bullied
Ongoing problems with school work and learning disability
Crammed schedules, not having enough time to rest and relax and always being on the go

13. Stress is
A normal physiological response of the body to situations or stimulus which are perceived as ‘dangerous’ to the body.
How one's body reacts to change can be called stress. These changes can come from feelings, situations, and people. For example, going to a new school is a change that can cause stress.

14. When a person is exposed to dangerous situation his body gets ready to face it. It needs more energy for that and the extra energy is got by-Fight or Flight’ response

15. Fight or Flight response
Think about the last time you got a scare. You might have almost fallen over, you might have had a near miss with a car – anything that made you jump and experience fear.

16. 'Fight of flight' doesn't allow you to think too much, but motivates you to take action

17. What happens to your body?
Some common reactions in the body are:
Your heart beats faster
Your muscles tighten
You begin to tremble

18. Mind feels the danger and the body tackles it
Mind feels the danger and the body tackles it . Actions coordinated by hormones (adrenaline and cortisol)
Once trigger is gone , hormones return to normal level and the body returns to normal
Stress affects the performance of the brain. When people are under stress , their memory suffers. Stress can cause Irritability and nervousness

19. Are there benefits to stress?
When working properly, the body’s stress response enhances a person’s ability to perform well under pressure.

20. Good stress
What is a good (happy, excited, etc) stressor for you? Situations that cause us to feel happy, excited, surprised,

21. Bad stress?
What is a bad (sad, scared, etc) stressor for you? situations that cause us to feel sad, scared, mad

22. Stress and Health

23. Physical symptoms: such as headache, fatigue

24. Mental symptom: such as poor concentration

25. Emotional symptoms: such as irritability and depression

26. Social symptom: isolation and resentment

27. Stress and Health
It is very important for teens to learn to handle stress, as long-term build-up of stress that is not handled effectively may lead to problems, including physical illness, anxiety or depression, which call for professional help.

28. What is a sign of stress for you?
Physical : headache, nervousness, rashes, stomachaches, fast heartbeat, perspiration, increased urination

29. Teenage "Stress Overload" Signs
Anxiety or panic attacks
Feeling down , on edge , guilty or tired
Feeling of being constantly pressured
Anger, irritable lashing out at others
Feeling resentful of others
Not enjoying activities you used to enjoy
Feeling you have too many things you have to do

30. Teenage "Stress Overload" Signs:
"shutting down" and withdrawal from people and activities
increased anger or increased tearfulness and feelings of hopelessness
chronic feelings of worry and nervousness
difficulty sleeping and eating
difficulty concentrating

31. Signs of stress overload
Physical symptoms such as stomach problems , headache or even chest pain
Allergic reaction-eczema or asthma
Problem sleeping
Drinking too much, smoking or doing drugs
Sadness or depression

32. Biggest cause of Stress- Survey
School work (78%)
Parents (78%)
Romantic relationships (64%)
Problems with friends (64%)
Siblings (64%)

33. Survey results Girls are affected more than boys
Boys tend to respond by ignoring it or getting away from it
Girls are more likely to ask for help dealing with their stress levels, by taking actions to reduce or remove stress
While teen’s family can be a source of stress, young people turn to family for support

34. Teens cope in variety of ways- healthy and unhealthy ways

35. Potential health hazards of teen stress

36. Eating disorder

37. Depression

38. Drug and/or Alcohol abuse

39. Hurting yourself or teen suicide

40. Discussion: What do you do to handle the stress in your life?
(Make a list how each one of you copes with stress)

41. Positive Way to deal with Stress
Most of you respond by doing something relaxing and positive
By seeking friendship and support from others then move ahead with life

42. Other positive approach activities –listening to music , watching TV, keeping up friendships
Figuring out solutions to problems by drawing strength from family and friends

43. Studies help show how handling stress improves health
Coping with Stress?
Studies help show how handling stress improves health

44. Ways to handle too much stress

45. Technique to manage Stress
Strictly avoid junk foods. Eat healthy food on time. Avoid eating on the run
Exercise regularly
Sleep well ( 8-10hrs/night)

46. Technique to manage Stress (cont’d)
If activity schedule too jam packed then modify schedule
Have at least one person to confide
Learn relaxation techniques
Volunteer

47. Technique to manage Stress (cont’d)
Avoid excess caffeine intake e.g. cola, coffee because caffeine increases the feelings of anxiety and agitation
Do not use illegal drugs, stimulants
Do not use Alcohol and tobacco

48. Be Realistic Don’t try to be perfect- no one is
Expecting others to be perfect can add to your own stress level too.
If you need help on something, like schoolwork ask for it

49. Over scheduling
If feeling stretched, consider cutting out an activity or two. Opting for just the ones that are most important to you

50. Sleep
Get a good night sleep: keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.

51. Role of sleep in stress management
Scientists have documented that when we are sleep deprived
Our immune system suffers- get sick more frequently
Our thinking and judgment are impaired
Our fuse becomes very very short
Getting enough sleep 8-10 hrs
Having bedtime routine – no crime shows, news

52. Role of sleep in stress management
Clearing your mind- finding ways to put the worries and concerns of the day aside
Feeling Thankful- thinking back on the events of the day for which you are thankful
Circumstances and people for whom we should be grateful

53. Ways to handle too much stress

54. What do you find relaxing?

55. Learn to Relax
Relaxation response: it is your body’s opposite of stress and creates a sense of well being and calm
Simple breathing exercises
Reading a good book
Making time for a hobby or spending time with your pet or taking a bath

56. Avoid Negative Talk
Do not talk negatively about anyone particularly about yourself. If you feel that you have an intrinsic defect ( physical look or shy or low self esteem) and then analyze that defect and write down solutions that will solve your condition. Always try to maintain positive feelings about yourself

57. What can you do to deal with stress overload or better yet to avoid it in the first place?
Stress management skills work best when used regularly.

58. Conclusion TEEN STRESS
Teenagers, like adults, may experience stress everyday and can benefit from learning stress management skills.  Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope.  Some sources of stress for teens include school, family…etc