Stress & Depressed

Causes of Stress  What stresses you out? Biological – tired, hungry Environmental – noise, rushing Cognitive – thoughts, worries, fears Emotions – lonely, sad, angry Personal Behavior – over-eating, under-eating, procrastination Life Situations – family, friends, work

Physical Effects of Stress How does stress affect your body?  Headaches, Stomach aches  Asthma, difficulty breathing  Increased Blood Pressure  Weight gain or loss  Weakened Immune System = More Illness

Emotional Effects of Stress How can stress affect your mental and/or emotional health? Difficulty concentrating Negative self-talk Mood swings Risks of Substance abuse What is your response to stress? Does it increase or decrease your stress level?

Body’s Stress Response *Alarm: adrenal glands produce adrenaline *Fight or Flight: lift an auto, freeze (like a deer) *Fatigue extreme tiredness

Relaxation Response How can you reach a state of calm?  Exercise: eg. of physical activities?  Deep breathing  Resting/Relaxing: _____??  Pleasant thoughts (laughter)  Stretching (yoga, tai chi, qi gong)  Meditation

Stress-Managing Strategies  Identify causes of stress  Plan ahead – Manage your time  Get adequate sleep  Regular physical activity  Nutritious food  Avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs  Seek support among family and friends  Practice a relaxing hobby or activity  Keep a positive attitude  Express yourself – needs, wants, feelings

Stress Bank  Fun Activity Pledge: 1 activity/day for 1 week Brainstorm a List of Fun ActivitiesBrainstorm a List of Fun Activities  Deposit in your Stress Bank 3 hobbies, pastimes, or activities3 hobbies, pastimes, or activities Names of 3 support peopleNames of 3 support people 3 ways of saying no to others3 ways of saying no to others 3 strategies for planning or thinking ahead3 strategies for planning or thinking ahead

School/Community Resources How can each of the following provide help?  Counselor  Teacher  Coach  Clergy member  Physician  Friend or family member  Reliable Help-lines or Websites

Causes of Distress It’s not just one thing…a combination of what is going on in one’s life  Biological body’s response to stressors body’s response to stressors  Sociological friends, family, community friends, family, community  Psychological thoughts, feelings thoughts, feelings  Situational events, what is happening events, what is happening

Trevor Simpson Father There is a deadly silence in our society today and it is killing our kids. Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death of our youth. Two kids die of suicide each week in the state of Washington…… Scot Simpson

Warning Signs of Suicide  Large mood swings  Previous attempts  Talk of death, desire to die  Close relative/friend who attempted  Giving away prized/valuable items  Becoming involved in drugs/alcohol  Noticeable change in behavior  Impulsive behavior, uncontrollable acts of violence

What Can You Do???  Show You Care “I’m concerned about you.. About how you feel” “I’m concerned about you.. About how you feel” “Tell me about what is making you so sad” “Tell me about what is making you so sad”  Ask the Question? “Are you thinking about suicide” “Are you thinking about suicide” “Are you capable of taking your own life” “Are you capable of taking your own life”  Call for Help “Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better” “Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better” Your not alone. Let me help you” Your not alone. Let me help you”

Suicide Questionnaire  Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death among youth & young adults.  It is estimated that 5 million Americans have attempted suicide.  Washington State ranks ___ in the nation concerning suicide rates.  Suicide generally happens without warning.  Teenage girls attempt suicide 3 X more often then boys.  Two of the most common means of killing yourself our guns & hanging.  During the Christmas Holiday season the suicide rate drops.  Low income people are more likely to attempt suicide.  Killing yourself is a spur of the moment decision and requires no planning.  When a person has been depressed and than suddenly seems to feel better, that person is no longer at risk of kiling themselves.

Suicide Questionnaire  Suicidal people truly want to die.  98% of all people think about killing themselves at some point in their lives.  Suicide tends to run in the family.  Only the mentally ill kill themselves.  Asking a person whether they are considering killing themselves will cause a suicide attempt.  Teenagers who threaten to kill themselves are not serious and are only seeking attention.  Once every day 68 young people in the U.S. attempt suicide.  Allowing a person who is thinking about suicide to talk about their feelings may help them change their mind and seek further help.

AFTER JIMMY  In your journal write down any warning signs of suicide that Jimmy might be demonstrating.