Stress- is the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands. How much stress you feel depends on your perception (the act of becoming aware through the senses). Stress can be both positive and negative in its effects. What are some positive effects of stress? Examples? What are some negative effects of stress? Examples? Stressor is anything that causes stress. EXAMPLES: People Objects Places Events Certain situations More specifically, psychologists have identified five general categories of stressors… Biological- illness, disabilities, or injuries Environmental: poverty, pollution, noise, natural disasters Cognitive (thinking)- the way you perceive a situation or how it affects you and your world Personal behavior- tobacco, alcohol, drugs, lack of physical activity Life situations- death of a family member/friend/pet, troubled relationships Past experiences play a large role in how you perceive these stressors. (Positive vs. Negative) Stage 1: ALARM The body and mind go on high alert- “Fight or Flight” response. Physical Symptoms: Pupil dilation Increase perspiration Faster heart rate and pulse Rise in blood pressure Faster respiration rate Narrowing of arteries to internal organs and skin Increase blood flow to muscles and brain Increase in muscle tension Release of blood sugar, fats, and cholesterol Stage 2: Resistance During this stage your body adapts to the rush created by alarm and reacts to the stressor This is the stage that you actually “fight” or “flight” You are briefly able to perform at a higher level of endurance The resistance stage is why people in extremely high-stress situations have been known to accomplish incredible feats. Stage 3: Fatigue Prolonged exposure to stress causes the body to lose it’s ability to adapt to the situation. A tired feeling takes over the body and lowers your level of activity. 3 Types of fatigue: Physical-muscles work vigorously for long periods, often leads to soreness and pain Psychological-from constant worry, overwork, depression, boredom, or feeling overwhelmed. Pathological-tiredness brought on by overworking the body’s defense in fighting illness. Flu, poor nutrition, use of drugs and alcohol. Psychosomatic Response: a physical reaction that results from stress rather than from an injury or illness. Headache Asthma High Blood Pressure Weakened Immune System Difficulty Concentrating Mood Swings Risks of Substance Abuse Stress that is associated with long-term problems that are beyond a person’s control. ENGAGE IN Physical Activity Look for support- friends, family Find a hobby or activity that relaxes you Avoid harmful substances-tobacco, alcohol, other drugs. Identify your personal stressors: Life events- getting a driver’s license; graduation; moving/relocating; addition of new family members; major illness; divorce/ separation Physical stressors- pollution, excessive noise, physical injury, lack of rest, drug use, excessive dieting or exercise Daily hassles- time pressures, too many responsibilities, deadlines, conflicts with fellow students Sometimes you can manage stress by changing your perception. Try looking at the situation as a learning experience. Plan ahead- this better prepares you for unexpected changes. Get adequate sleep-if not it can cause stress by interfering with schoolwork, athletics, and personal relationships. Get regular physical activity-burns off excess nervous energy, causing you to feel more relaxed. Eat nutritious food- eat regular meals, limit “comfort” foods, limit caffeine (causes blood pressure to rise) Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs Stress management skills- skills that help an individual handle stress in a healthful, effective way. Redirect your energy-work on a creative project, go for a jog Relax and laugh-deep breathing, think happy thoughts, stretching, laughing out loud. Keep a positive outlook-the way you think often determines how you feel. Seek out support- confide in someone you trust, parent, guardian, sibling, teacher, or close friend Express yourself-share your feelings, set/share goals. Anxiety- the condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen. Can be both positive (help you to work harder) and negative (cause you to make mistakes). Symptoms: Feelings of fear or dread Perspiration, trembling, restlessness, or muscle tension Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath Is perfectionism a form of anxiety? i.e. grades, sports, unrealistic expectations Redirect your energy Relaxation exercises: meditation, breathing Engage in physical activity Get support from family and friends Some choose to “escape” by using drugs or alcohol. This only provides a temporary and false sense of relaxation. THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE! This also causes more problems making it harder for you to function properly. Everyone experiences the occasional sad mood that lasts a few days. They are natural feelings that can be managed by: Writing in a private journal Draw, dance, or engage in some other creative activity Talk about your feelings with your family or friends Do something nice for someone else. This takes the focus away from you and your feelings. What do you choose to do when managing general sadness? Two types of depression depending on the cause of the feeling and the length of time it lasts. Reactive Depression Major/Clinical Depression Reactive depression: A response to a stressful event (death of a friend). Lasts longer than a case of the “blues”. Most times it eventually goes away as the person finds a way to manage his or her response to the event. Major/Clinical depression: A medical condition that requires treatment. Much more severe and last much longer than reactive depression. May develop from reactive depression. May be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain or genetic tendency. Many teens who are suffering from depression do not act sad or seem outwardly different to their family or friends. Other symptoms include: Irritable or restless mood. Withdrawal from friends and activities that were once important or enjoyable. Change in appetite or weight. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness. A sense of hopelessness. Feeling a few of these symptoms occasionally is “normal”. It is NOT normal to experience several of them at the same time for two weeks or more. Also, if depression causes a person to start using drugs or to have thoughts of suicide, professional help is needed. For mild forms of anxiety and depression help includes: TALKING WITH SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE GETTING MORE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS Both anxiety and depression are very treatable. Talk to a parent or other trusted adult, and seek help from a counselor, school psychologist, or other health care professional. Resiliency- the ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty, or crisis. Resilient people are able to handle adversity in healthy ways and achieve long-term success in spite of negative circumstances. External Factors: Your family Your school/ community Your peers You have little control over these factors but you can work to strengthen them. Internal Factors: Your Attitude Your Behavior Commitment to learning Positive Values Social Competency Positive Identity You have control over Internal factors. Making a conscious effort to strengthen these factors will increase your resiliency and improve your mental/emotional health! Protective factors- conditions that shield individuals from the negative consequences of exposure to risk. Actions you can take are: Become involved with after school activities. Make a commitment to learning by reading for pleasure at least three hours a week. Stand up for your beliefs, and refuse to act against your values. Be honest with yourself and others. Resist negative peer pressure, and avoid dangerous situations. Learn about people from other cultures or ethnic backgrounds. Develop a sense of purpose. Develop a positive outlook about YOUR future.