Stress:

Recognizing Stress and

Stress Management

What is Stress?
Stress is the bodys way of
rising to a challenge and
preparing to meet a tough
situation with focus, strength,
stamina, and heightened
alertness.

Chemical Reaction
Stress response activates the nervous
system and specific hormones
The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands
to produce more adrenaline and cortisol and
release them into the body
The hormones speed up heart rate, breathing
rate, blood pressure, and metabolism

Fight or Flight Response

The bodys response to a situation that is
perceived as threatening or dangerous

Fight or Flight

Video Time!
German Airport Prank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md
9_r2rhtZM

Good Stress vs. Bad

Stress
Good
Helps us respond
quickly in an
emergency situation
Fight or Flight

Can be activated in a
pressure situation
where there is no
danger
Preparing for a test
Sports

Bad
Ongoing or longterm stressful
situations
Long-term, low-level
stress keeps the
nervous system
activated
Can weaken the
immune system and
wear the body down

Sources of
Stress

Common Sources of
Stress
School/Homework
Grades/GPA
Tests
Applying for College

Stress

Parents/Family
Expectations
Pressure to do well

Social Life
Friends
Boyfriend/Girlfriend
Extracurricular Activities

Time

Deadlines
No time
Too much to do
Lack of sleep

Other; 9%
Sports; 4%
Time; 8%
Social Life; 9%

School/Hmwk; 55%

Parents/Family; 15%

Other Causes of
Stress
Negative thoughts and
feelings about self
Unsafe environment
Problems with friends
and/or peers
Examples: Bullying, peer
pressure

Separation or divorce of
parents
Death of a loved one

Problems/stressors in
the family
Examples: Financial
challenges, health

Moving or changing
schools
Thinking about the
future
Taking on too many
activities at once

Video Time!
Adam Sandler Anger
Management
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=g-D_cOhsRmc

Signs of Stress
Overload

Physical Symptoms
Stomach Problems
Headaches
Chest Pain, increased heart rate
Problems sleeping
Overeating or eating too little
Frequently getting sick
Poor concentration and forgetfulness

Emotional Symptoms
Anxiety or panic attacks
Frequently feeling tense, upset, and worried

Irritability or moodiness
Anger, lashing out at people and situations,
shutting down or withdrawing

Sadness or depression
Hopelessness, lack of energy, feeling
powerless, crying more often

Feelings of being constantly pressured,

hassled, and hurried

Managing
Stress

Video Time!
Stress Management Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=hnpQrMqDoqE

Ways to Manage
Stress
Exercise
Get plenty of sleep
Eat regular, healthy meals
Avoid excess caffeine
Coffee, energy drinks, soda

Relaxation techniques
Deep breathing
Positive thinking

More Ways to Manage

Stress
Do NOT overcommit yourself
Focus on the activities that are important to you

Do NOT be unrealistic
Nobodys perfect
Avoid placing added pressure on yourself

Practice situations which can cause stress

Take a break from stressful situations
Set small, manageable goals
Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cant
ASK for help!!

Building Resilience
Recognize change is a challenging but
normal part of life
Setbacks are temporary problems

Have a strong support system and ask for

help when you need it
Build relationships with family and friends

Regularly participate in activities you enjoy

Take time to relax and have fun

Create a Personal Stress-Management Plan

Resources
http://www2.aap.org/stress/teen1- a.cfm
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html #
http://www.pamf.org/teen/life/stress /
http
://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/resources/teenager
s-andstress.aspx
http
://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/
Facts_for_Families_Pages/Helping_Teenagers_With_Stress_66.
aspx
http://www.fosteringresilience.com/pdf/
stress_management_plan.pdf