Teenage Stress

1. Teenage Stress Learning to Cope!

2. What is stress? • Webster's defines stress as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and that may be a factor in causing disease. • Teenage Stress is a big thing, it can cause more harm than just a few pimples. Teenage Stress has been proven as an indirect cause of eating disorders, depression, social/physical/emotional changes, and even something as serious as suicide.

3. Causes of Stress How one's body reacts to change can be called stress. These changes can come from : • Feelings • Situations • People For example, going to a new school is a change that can cause stress.

4. Stressors • Things that cause stress are called stressors. For example: • going to a new school • divorce or separation of parents • winning an award • taking a test • death of a relative • being sick

5. Causes of Stress • Physical and chemicalfactors that can cause stress include trauma, infections, toxins, illnesses, and injuries of any sort. • Emotional causes of stress and tension are numerous and varied. • While many people associate the term "stress" with psychological stress, scientists and physicians use this term to identify any force that impairs the stability and balance of bodily functions.

6. Take the stress test to find out what you already know about stress. Answer the next NINE stress questions: • Which hormone, with increased levels in states of both acute and chronic stress, is known as the "stress hormone"? a) estrogen b) cortisol c) thyroid hormone T3 d) testosterone

7. b) Cortisol Cortisol is a hormone which is found in elevated levels in states of acute and chronic stress. Since cortisol levels rise rapidly in response to physical or emotional stresses, this hormone has been called the "stress hormone".

8. 2. True or false: "stressed-out" people are more likely to catch a cold than persons experiencing minimal stress.a) true b) false TRUE It's not just in your head that when your schedule is overloaded and your stress is maximum, you're more likely to get sick. Lots of scientific evidence shows that extreme stress can have a negative effect on our immune systems, making us more susceptible to all kinds of infections.

9. 3. The term insomnia most accurately refers to:a) getting <4 hours of sleep per night b) getting <8 hours of sleep c) inadequate or poor-quality sleepd) taking more than 1 hour to fall asleep Insomnia refers to the perception or complaint of poor-quality or inadequate sleep. Changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of excessive stress.

10. 4. Which of the following has been promoted as "nature's anti-stress drug"?a) alcohol b) vitamin C c) vitamin D d) kava kava Kava kava - has been used in the ceremonial and cultural lives of South Pacific Islanders for thousands of years. Traditionally taken as a strongly brewed beverage made from the roots of the plant Piper methysticum, kava is consumed by modern users in capsule form. This herbal product produces a relaxed and mildly euphoric state, and it is often used to treat symptoms of anxiety, stress, and tension.

11. 5. Experiencing work or personal stress can worsen which of the following medical conditions:a) diabetes b) heart disease c) asthma d) all of the above Psychological stress can make many medical conditions worse! Stress is known to worsen existing heart disease, and high stress levels can also cause high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Recent studies also show that asthma attacks, in some cases, can be precipitated by stress.

12. 6. Where is the "stress hormone" cortisol produced in the body?a) adrenal glands b) pancreasc) brain d) in the nerves The stress hormone cortisol is made in the cortex, or outer portion, of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are adjacent to the kidneys and produce a number of hormones important for body function.

13. 7. Which of the following is known to decreasethe amount of stress you experience?a) a low cholesterol level b) a routine, boring job c) having close friendships d) elevated estrogen levels Research studies have shown that having close connections with friends, family, and strong social support systems can decrease the amount of stress you experience.

14. 8. Stress has NOT been shown to cause:a) elevated blood cholesterol levelsb) schizophrenia c) increased predisposition to heart attacksd) delayed wound healing • Stress predisposes individuals to certain diseases such as heart disease. In fact, stress may worsen many medical conditions and can lead to poor immune & delayed tissue repair (wound healing). • Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder in which patients have an altered sense of reality and are not able to reason appropriately. Stress is not known to be a cause of schizophrenia.

15. 9. The term "hypertension" refers to:a) elevated blood pressureb) tightness in the muscles c) nervousness and irritabilityd) both b and c are correct • Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Stress is known to be a contributing factor in high blood pressure

16. Is all stress bad? NO! Most people define stress as worry, tension and pressure, but all stress isn't bad. Some stress can be happy, exciting and challenging. We need stress in our lives; without it life would be dull. For example, right before a race, Mark always feels a little nervous. This stress helps Mark stay alert and prepared. Can you name a time when stress helped you stay alert and prepared?

17. Not Necessarily ! If stress disrupts body balance and function, then is all stress bad?

18. A mild degree of stress and tension can sometimes be beneficial. • Feeling mildly stressed when carrying out a project or assignment often compels us to do a good job and to work energetically. • Likewise, exercising can produce a temporary stress on some body functions, but its health benefits are indisputable. • It is only when stress is overwhelming, or poorly managed, that its negative effects appear.

19. What causes stress to be good or bad? Our thoughts, feelings and beliefs about a situation can make stress good (pleasant) or bad (unpleasant).

20. Situations that cause us to feel happy, excited, surprised, etc, can be called good stressors • Situations that cause us to feel sad, scared, mad, etc, can be called bad stressors. • What is a good (happy, excited, etc) stressor for you? • What is a bad (sad, scared, etc) stressor for you?

21. SOME SIGNS OF STRESS Physical (body) • Headaches • Nervousness • Rashes • Stomachaches • Fast heartbeat • Perspiration • Increased urination

22. SOME SIGNS OF STRESS Mental (mind) • Lack of Concentration • Forgetfulness • Drop in school performance • Unable to study • Carelessness

23. SOME SIGNS OF STRESS Emotional (feelings) • Bored • Anger outbursts • Nightmares • Sad/depressed • Scared • Withdrawn • Fighting

24. Stress Management • The goal is to identify resources to help you managethe stresses in your life. • Note: Not elimination or even reduction of stress, because stress is a part of normal life. It's impossible to completely eliminate stress, and it would not be advisable to do so. • Instead, we can learn to manage stress so that we have control over our stress and its effects on our physical and mental health.

25. How Do You Balance the Stress in Your Life? • Stay aware of your signs of stress. If you are having signs of stress, follow the tips below to avoid stress overload (distress). • Since stress will be with us the rest of our lives, it is important to know some ways of dealing with stress.

26. Ways to handle too much stress • Take deep breaths/Practice deep breathing exercises • Watch your thoughts/think positive • Find time to relax and cool out • Pray or read something inspirational • Visualize what you want to happen

27. Ways to handle too much stress • Use pressure points to reduce headaches • Eat a nutritious meal or snack • Take one thing at a time • Talk problems over with a friend or counselor • Don't dwell on your weaknesses

28. Ways to handle too much stress • Feel proud of your accomplishments • Exercise daily • Do muscle tension relaxation exercises • Punch a pillow, scream or kick a can • Prepare for tests early • Set realistic goals

29. Ways to handle too much stress • Stop worrying about things that may never happen • Learn from your mistakes • Forgive yourself and others • Get involved with things you like to do • Make time for fun • Do something for others I love dancing!

30. TEENAGE STRESS • It’s Manageable! • Try the Stress Self-Assessment Quiz to evaluate the stress level in your life. • Remember, stress is normal and can be a good thing in helping motivate us to be our best!