Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and Management STRESS!!! Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and Management

What is stress? Your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand Psychological (mental/emotional) & physical response

How do we respond? “Fight or Flight” When our bodies defenses kick into a high gear, automatic response--also known as ‘fight or flight’ Meant to protect and support us

Stress Activity Instructions: Write a brief example of a potentially stressful situation and a response to the stressor. Situations that I feel angry about… Situation that I feel frustrated about… Situations that I feel worried about… Situations that I feel happy about… Situations that take a lot of time… Situations that take money…

Signs & Symptoms Cognitive Emotional Physical Behavioral

Cognitive Symptoms Memory problems Indecisiveness Inability to concentrate Trouble thinking clearly Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying Loss of objectivity Fearful anticipation

Emotional Symptoms Feeling tense and “on edge” Moodiness Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness Moodiness Agitation Restlessness Short temper Irritability; impatience Inability to relax

Physical Symptoms Headaches and/or backaches Muscle tension and stiffness Diarrhea or constipation Nausea, dizziness Insomnia Chest pain, rapid heartbeat Changes in breathing patterns

Physical Symptoms cont’d… Weight gain or loss Body temp increases Sweating Skin breakouts Hives, eczema Frequent colds

Behavioral Symptoms Overeating or under eating Angry outbursts Drug or alcohol abuse Tobacco use Social withdrawal

Causes Major life changes Daily hassles and demands Environmental stressors Family & relationship stressors Work stressors Social stressors

Causes Internal causes: Uncertainty or worries Pessimistic attitude Self-criticism Unrealistic expectations/beliefs Perfectionism Low self-esteem Excessive or unexpressed anger Lack of assertiveness

Top 3 causes for teens: School Family Friends

Top 10 Stressors 10.) A teacher who doesn’t like you. 9.) School issues. 8.) Re-marriage of a parent. 7.) Moving to a new school. 6.) Birth of a brother or sister.

Top 10 Stressors cont’d… 5.) Not having enough money. 4.) Wondering if someone thinks you’re attractive. 3.) Taking a test. 2.) Fight with a friend or a sibling. 1.) Parent(s) having problem(s).

Effects of Chronic Stress Physical effects: Chronic pain Migraines Ulcers Heartburn High BP Heart disease Diabetes Asthma Obesity Infertility Autoimmune diseases IBS Skin problems Emotional effects: Anxiety Depression Eating disorders Substance abuse

Take Charge! Change the situation: Change your reaction: Avoid the stressor Alter the stressor Change your reaction: Accept the stressor Adapt to the stressor

Stress Management Avoid unnecessary stress: Learn how to say “NO” Avoid people who stress you out Take control of your environment Avoid hot-button topics Re-evaluate your to-do list

Stress Management Alter the situation: Express your feelings instead of bottling them up Be willing to compromise Be more assertive Manage your time better

Stress Management Accept the things you can’t change: Don’t try to control the uncontrollable Look for the upside Share your feelings Learn to forgive

Stress Management Adapt to the stressor: Reframe problems Look at the big picture Adjust your standards Focus on the positive

What can you do? Set aside relaxation time Do something you enjoy, every day Surround yourself with positive people Keep a sense of humor