CHAPTER 8 Managing Stress and Anxiety

LESSON 1 – EFFECTS OF STRESS

Vocabulary

StressPerceptionStressorPsychosomatic responseChronic stress

CONTINUED

Stress in Your Life How much stress you feel depends on your

perception of events that cause stress How do you manage? Change the way you

see the react to the events that cause stress.Reacting to Stress Stress can have positive and negative

effects. How? Positive – can help motivate you to reach

your goals Negative – For example, losing sleep after an

argument with a friend We must learn to talk about our stressors

CONTINUED

What Causes Stress?

Five General Categories of Stressors Biological stressors – illness, disabilities, or

injuries Environmental stressors – poverty, pollution, or

natural disasters Personal Behavior stressors – alcohol, tobacco,

drugs, and lack of physical activity Thinking stressors – how to perceive a situation

or how it affects you Life Situation stressors – death in the family,

parents divorced, trouble with friends

How can your perception of an event affect the amount of stress you feel?

CONTINUED

The Body’s Stress ResponseGive an example of your body reacting to stress.Which 2 body systems are active during the body’s response to stress? Nervous system Endocrine systemInvoluntary or automaticStage 1 – Alarm Mind and body go on high alert (fight or flight)Stage 2 – Resistance Body adapts to the stressor and you decide to

either “fight or flight”Fight = ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be enhanced

CONTINUEDFlight = you may be able to run faster and farther than normal in order to escape dangerStage 3 – Fatigue A tired feeling takes over your body Ability to manage stress is lowPhysical Fatigue – muscle work vigorously for long periods often leading to soreness and painPsychological Fatigue – can result from constant worry, overwork, and depressionPathological Fatigue – tiredness brought on by overworking the body’s defenses in fighting disease

Did You Know? (page201)

CONTINUED

Stress and Your HealthPhysical Effects Headache – headache caused by stress is the

most common type of headache Asthma – stress can trigger asthma, it is

important to discover what sets off your attacks.

High Blood Pressure – prolonged stress can cause an increase in a person’s level of cholesterol, which leads to high blood pressure

Weakened Immune System – can reduce the body’s ability to fight disease

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL EFFECTS Difficulty concentrating – hard to focus,

negative self-talk and telling yourself that failure is inevitable

Mood swings – feeling happy one minute and sad the next, teens may experience as a result of

1. hormonal changes2. social and academic pressure Emotional shifts may strain relationships Risk of substance abuse – feel as if the drug

helps relieve stress Actually increases stress and leads to bigger

problems

TAKING CONTROL OF CHRONIC STRESS The body’s reaction to chronic stress is less

intense that a fight or flight response Can last longer, symptoms include: upset

stomach, headache, insomnia, change in appetite, and feeling anxious

Strategies for controlling the effects of stress: Engage in physical activity – physical activities

improve your body’s health and affect brain chemistry (helps to calm you down)

Look for support – they know how you feel, hang out and talk about what is bothering you

Hobby or Activity – learn something new and make new friends

Avoid alcohol and drugs – can lead to addiction and many other problems

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS (NOT IN BOOK) Stress management skills - techniques used to

cope with the harmful effects of stress2 types of stress management skills – (1) - Type of skill that focuses on doing

something about the cause of stress (2) - Type of skill that focuses on keeping the

body healthy and relieving anxietyStress management skills – Use responsible decision making skills. When

you apply the steps in the model to a difficult situation, you will feel less anxious and more in control.

Get plenty of rest and sleep. Without rest and sleep you will find it difficult to reduce stress levels.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS Participate in physical activities. Physical

activity relieves tension by providing an outlet for the energy that builds up with stress.

Use a time management plan. If you are over whelmed by the number of tasks to complete in a day, try keeping a calendar. Tackle the most difficult tasks first.

Write in a journal. Writing is a healthful way to express your feelings.

Develop friendships. When you are with friends you can share your feeling without being judged.

Talk with parents and other trusted adults. They can offer suggestions based on their own life experiences.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Help others. Helping others can give you a different outlook on a situation.

Keep a sense of humor. A good laugh is a positive way to manage stress.

TEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Depression affects people of all ages and

ethnic background. About 2% of school aged children and 8% of

adolescents meet the criteria for depression. 1 in 5 teens will suffer from depression by

the time they reach adulthood.Characteristics of Depression Persistent sadness Loss of pleasure and interest in activities

once enjoyed Fatigue or loss of energy Restlessness, irritability Sleep disturbances

TEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Weight or appetite changes Lack of concentration Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and

low self – esteem Thoughts or expressions of suicide or deathCauses In childhood – boys and girls are equally at

risk During adolescence – girls are twice as likely

as boys to develop depression Inability to cope with a life crisis. Some

teens are unable to get through life crises that most teens can cope with.

TEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Genetic predisposition. The inheritance of genes that increase the likelihood of developing a condition is called genetic predisposition.

Traumatic family events. Teens who have experienced traumatic family events are at an increased risk for depression.

Physical illness. Teens who have certain physical illnesses may experience depression.

Alcohol or other drug use. – Teens who drink alcohol or take drugs have a much higher rates of depression.

TEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETYTreatments for Depression Depression is a treatable disease, and more than

80% of individuals who receive treatment experience significant improvement.

Fewer than ½ of people with depression seek help. Physical examination – poor health status. If you are

sick you are at risk of becoming depressed. Therapy – young people who are depressed may

benefit from therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy – this therapy helps a person modify behavior and a person’s way of thinking.

Medication – An antidepressant is a drug used to relieve depression.

Teens must learn to become resilient. Resiliency is the ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty, or crisis.