STRESS & YOU Bridget Meneghini, M.Ed. Career Advisor Godbey 91, ext. 4432 bmeneghini@nr.edu This presentation is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor ETA  grant award. This presentation is the creation of the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the USDOL.

Objectives What is your Chocolate Personality? Complete Stressors Questionnaire Discuss coping strategies Identify common mental health diagnoses/symptoms Identify where to go for help

What are the Stressors in Your Life? Complete Activity

Sleep How To Cope with Stress? Average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Effects_of_sleep_deprivation.svg

Diet How To Cope with Stress? Everything in moderation & stop eating CRAP C-carbonated junk R-refined sugars A-artificial S*** P-processed foods

Exercise How To Cope with Stress? Find something you enjoy doing on a consistent basis. Increases the “feel good” chemicals Helps you forget the “bad stuff” from the day Builds self-confidence

Support Network How To Cope with Stress? Find those who you enjoy spending time with and spend time with them. Prevents loneliness/isolation Validates your self-worth Helps you feel secure

BREATHE…Don’t Sweat the Petty Stuff and Don’t Pet the Sweaty Stuff!

Common Mental Health Diagnoses Depression: feeling of sadness or “the blues” over a period of time Changes in sleep Changes in appetite Weight gain/loss Irritability Tearful Loss of enjoyment in things you once enjoyed Suicidal thoughts Anxiety: pervasive feeling of worry, fear, dread Changes in sleep Changes in appetite Increased heart rate Feeling “nervous” Irritability Difficulty concentrating Forgetfulness

Common Mental Health Diagnoses Schizophrenia: impaired ability to recognize reality, bizarre behaviors, inability to deal with life’s demands Hallucinations Delusions Disorganized speech Disorganized behavior Catatonic (frozen) behavior Bipolar Disorder: wide swings in behavior such as mania to severe depression (previous slide) Decreased need for sleep Delusions of grandeur Euphoria Hyperactivity Lack of concentration Rush of ideas Boisterousness/giddiness

How To Recognize When Someone Needs Help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JjZYLl1Ils

Where Can I Go? College Advising Primary Care Physician Mental Health agencies Support Groups Faith Groups National Mental Health Institute (NAMI) www.nami.org

Questions? Comments? YOUR TURN!