MANAGING STRESS AND

ANXIETY

WHAT IS STRESS? Stress: the reaction of the body and

mind to everyday challenges and demands.

Learning how to manage stress is an important part of staying healthy.

Perception: the act of becoming aware through the senses

One way to manage stress it to change how you perceive and react to events that cause it.

Stress is not necessarily good or bad, it can have positive and negative effects.

WHAT CAUSES STRESS? Stressor: anything that causes stress. People, objects, places, events, and

situations are all potential stressors. Five general categories of stressors: Biological: Illness, disabilities, or injuries Environmental: Poverty, pollution, crowding Cognitive: Perceive a situation, how it effects

you Personal Behavior: Negative reaction in the

body by using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

Life Situations: Death, Divorce, Relationships

THE BODY’S STRESS RESPONSE When you perceive a situation or event

to be a threat, your body begins a stress response.

There are three stages: Alarm: Body and mind go on high alert.

“Fight-or-flight response” Either defend itself or flee

Resistance: Body adapts to the rush created by alarm and reacts to stressor. Body is able to perform at a higher level of endurance

Fatigue: Tired feelings takes over. Physical, psychological, pathological

STRESS AND YOUR HEALTH Stress can sometimes lead to

psychosomatic response—physical reaction that results from stress rather than from an injury or illness

Physical effects: Headache Asthma High blood pressure Weakened immune system

STRESS AND YOUR HEALTH Mental/Emotional and Social effects Difficulty concentrating Mood swings Risks of substance abuse Chronic stress: stress associated with

long term problems that are beyond a person’s control

What can you do to help with stress? Physical activity, support, hobby, avoid

risk behaviors

STRESS MANAGEMENT First step to managing stress is identifying

the causes of the stress Life events---Parents, major illness, moving Physical stressors--- physical injury, lack of

rest, drug use Daily hassles—deadlines, conflicts, too

many responsibilities Stress Management Techniques: skills that

help an individual handle stress in a healthful, effective way.

Redirect your energy, relax and laugh, keep a positive outlook, and see out support

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS You can manage stress by changing the

way you perceive or react to the stressor.

Plan ahead Get adequate sleep Regular physical activity Eat nutritious food---limit “comfort”

foods, caffeine Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs

ANXIETY AND TEEN DEPRESSION The teen years bring new pressures, challenges,

and responsibilities that can sometimes seem overwhelming.

Anxiety: condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen

Symptoms: Feelings of fear or dread Perspiration, trembling, restlessness Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, shortness of

breath Perfectionist’s anxiety: comes from believing that

nothing he or she does will be good enough This type of anxiety can lead to frustration and

unhappiness.

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH ANXIETY Stress-management techniques, such as

redirecting your energy or doing relaxation exercises, can be used to reduce the day-today anxieties of life.

Engage in physical activity and getting support from family and friends

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Nearly everyone experiences the

occasional sad mood that lasts for a few days

However, if these feelings are prolonged it can indicate a more serious condition know as depression.

Depression: Prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness

Two types of depression Reactive: response to a stressful event

(death of a friend) Major: medical condition requiring

treatment

TEEN DEPRESSION AND GETTING HELP Depression is a common emotional problem

among teens, however, the symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed.

Many young people don’t act sad or seem outwardly different to their family and friends.

Symptoms of depression irritable or restless mood-withdrawal from

friends and activities that were previously important of enjoyable-change in appetite or weight-feelings of guilt or worthlessness-and a sense of hopelessness.

TEEN DEPRESSION AND GETTING HELP Many people experience a few of these

symptoms once in a while. It is not normal to experience several of

them at the same time for two weeks or more.

What to do? It is very treatable Talking with supportive people Getting more physical activity Seek help from a counselor, school

psychologist or other health care professional