STRESS HOW OFTEN DO YOU FEEL STRESSED? HOW DO YOU COPE WITH STRESS? WHAT LIFE EVENTS DO YOU FIND STRESSFUL? WHAT LIFE EVENTS ARE CATEGORIZED AS THE MOST STRESSFUL?

TYPES OF STRESS Note: Distress or Eustress are defined by how the person perceives the stressor DISTRESS: Stress associated with negative events “bad stress” Examples: ??? EUSTRESS: Stress associated with positive events “good stress”

Common Causes of Stress for Teens I am in a new relationship I fear dying I fear failing I fear getting hurt by others I have to much/too little responsibility I don’t get along with certain teachers My English skills are not good enough I want to work but can’t find a job Decisions are hard for me I don’t like the way I look School work is tough right now I get nervous when I try out for things (e.g. clubs, teams, etc…) No privacy at home Home is crowded I don’t have enough money Someone close to me/I has/have a drug/alcohol problem My parents are absent My parents have high expectations of me Someone in my family is sick or dying I don’t have enough friends I don’t belong Friends pressure me to do things I don’t want to do I am new to Canada

GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME 3 STAGES ALARM: Recognize the existence of a threat Body reacts by producing hormones (adrenalin) Fight or flee from the cause of stress

Cont… RESISTANCE: Physiological changes stabilize as organism becomes accustom to threat Hormone production and other physical responses remain high

Cont… EXHAUSTION: Body’s resources are wearing down Glands lower their supply of adrenalin Immune system loses its ability to prevent disease and physical illness

COPING WITH STRESS Exercise Relaxation techniques Predicting and controlling events Social support Distraction Inoculation-preview of stressful event Other: ________________