1. Stress 1) What is stress? 2) What are some factors that commonly cause stress for teens? 3) Can you avoid stress? 4) In what other ways can other people help you deal with stress?

3. Stress Stress: the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands Stressor: anything that causes stress Eustress: Good Stress (having a baby, competing for a championship, etc.) Distress: Bad stress (sick family member, financial strains, etc)

4. Fight or Flight Response –Muscles become tense. –Heart rate increases. –Blood pressure increases. –Breathing increases. –Pupils dilate. –Digestion slows down or stops. –Hearing becomes better. –Sweating increases. –Skin temperature decreases. –Immune system slows down. –More blood is sent to the muscles for quick movement. –Liver releases sugar for quick energy. –Amount of stomach acid increases.

5. Warning Signs of Stress Physical Signs of Stress –Headache –Increased sweating –Sweaty palms –Tightness of chest –Diarrhea –Nervous stomach –Slumped posture –Inability to fall asleep –Dry mouth –Increase in crying –Fatigue –Neck or backache Emotional / Mental Signs of Stress –Irritability –Angry outburst –Impatience –Nightmares –Loss of interest –Anxiety / nervousness –Negative thinking –Jealousy –Forgetfulness –Lowered self- esteem –Inability to concentrate –Focusing on the past –Resistant to change –Preoccupation

6. Warning Signs of Stress Behavioral Signs of Stress –Restlessness –Fidgeting –Carelessness –Loss of appetite or overeating –Unable to sleep –Chronic fatigue –Decreased productivity –Increase in alcohol and drug use –Increase in risk taking –Withdrawing from relationships

7. General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm Stage: Adrenaline released –Body Gets into Action –“Fight or Flight” Resistance Stage: body wants to go back to normal Exhaustion Stage: Stress is over or body gives out –Can actually cause physical illness, injury, or sickness

8. Key Questions What can you do to reduce the amount of stress in your life? Select a stressor & list positive coping strategies for that stressor (difficulty with school subject: ask questions in class, get extra help from teacher or a good student, spend extra time on subject, study more for tests)