What is Stress?
What Exactly is Stress? Stress is the body and mind’s reaction to everyday demands or threats. Ex. Studying for a test, waiting in lunch line, watching UK basketball games, listening to Mrs. Geddes talk, etc.
What is Stress? What makes you stressed? What stresses out teenagers today? How do you cope with stress in your life? Do you cope positively or negatively?
There are Two types of Stress Eustress Positive stress Ex. Study harder for a test Going out on a date Distress Negative stress Ex. Death, stuck in traffic, road rage, fighting
Fight or Flight Responses to Stress Body releases epinephrine Heart rate increases Blood pressure increases Throat muscles contract Pupils dilate Breathing becomes deeper and faster Perspiration increases Muscles tense Eustress Alert Focused Motivated Energized Confident Distress Nervous Forgetful Frightened Unsure Confused
Stress (Cont’d) Stressors—any stimulus that produces a stress response Ex. Going on a date, being new in school, playing sports
What Do You Think Is Your Biggest Stressor? Turn to page 59 in your textbook and fill out the questionnaire. What do you think is your biggest stressor?
Categories of Stressors Biological Stressor Come from biochemical imbalances, mental or physical illness, injuries
Environmental Stressors Due to the environment, poverty, hurricane, pollution, crowding, natural disaster What are current examples of an environmental stressor?
Cognitive Stressor Cognitive Stressor The way that you perceive a situation or what you expect from it
Stressors Personal Behavior Stressors Life Situations Negative reactions in the body and mind causes by smoking, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs Life Situations Death, divorce, trouble with relationships Any other examples??
Effects of Stress Mental fatigue—mentally worn out Physical fatigue—body is tired
Stress Related Diseases and Disorders Tension headache Cold and flu Asthma Migraines TMJ (Locked jaw) Heart disease Stroke Ulcer Insomnia Depression Chronic fatigue
Empathy vs. Sympathy Empathy—the ability to understand another person’s feelings, behaviors, and attitudes (putting yourself in someone else’s shoes) Sympathy—to express sadness for someone’s loss