Stress is your body’s way of saying that you are struggling to deal with daily life demands or you have
a problem that you need to deal with. People typically react to stress in a way that might mimic times
when they are in physical danger – you get a burst of energy, the heart beats faster and blood pressure
While some stress isn’t bad, too much stress can cause physical issues like headaches, stomach problems
and sleep problems. It can also cause you to feel tired, irritable and depressed. You may also experience
difficulty thinking and concentrating. While you can’t always control the things that cause stress,
some healthy ways of dealing with it include:
- Thinking about the future — don’t dwell on the past, be forward-thinking.
- Reaching out and confiding in someone you trust.
- Remembering who you are and not allowing others to impact how you feel about yourself.
- Trying stress relieving activities such as physical activity, reading, listening to music, hanging out with a friend or just lazing about.
If you are really feeling like things are out of control, and you can't seem to change your situation for
the better, it is a good idea to talk to a safe adult who can help you. If you aren’t able to identify a
safe adult to talk to, contact Kids Help Phone
(1-800-668-6868) to speak with a counsellor.