Words to know
• Stressor
s
• Adrenal
Glands
• Stress
Respons
e
• Hormon
es
• Fight or
Flight
•
Underline the word
(s) you know.
• Eustress
• Distress
• Acute
Stress
• Chronic
Stress
• Hyperstr
ess
• Hypostre
ss
Stress and Health
It is not the problems that can kill us but our reaction to the problems.
Stress is……
 > a normal physiological response of the body to
situations or stimulus which are perceived as
“dangerous” to the body……

or in other words…..
 THE BODY’S RESPONSE TO
CHANGE
What causes stress?
 Events that provoke stress are called :


STRESSORS
Some common stressors are:
-fear of
physical danger
-making a class
presentation
-taking tough
subjects
-pressure of
expectations
from self and
from others
-playing in a big
event
- Pressure to fit
-
-
being bullied
relationship
stress
family conflicts
Pressure at
school from
teachers or
coaches
Grade pressure
and many, many
more
Most common teen stressors
 School, parents, relationships, disputes with friends,
siblings, crammed schedules …always on the go
 No time for Rest and Relaxation
What happens to your body?
 Some common reactions in the body are : your heart
beats faster, your muscles tighten, your hands start
to sweat……
 Your body is getting ready to FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Fight or Flight doesn’t allow you to think too
much, but motivates you to act
FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE is also called
STRESS RESPONSE
 The nervous system is activated and hormones
released

• Adrenal glands produce more of the hormones (chemical
•
•
•
•
messengers) adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the
bloodstream
Blood vessels open wider to let more blood flow to large muscle groups
The liver releases some of its stored glucose for energy
Sweat is produced to cool the body
Results in the “fight or flight response
Think about the last time you were scared…
 The mind feels the danger and the body tackles it.
 Once the trigger ( stressor) is gone, hormones return
to normal level and the body returns to normal.
TYPES of STRESS
 Eustress:
 Distress:
positive stress
negative stress
EUSTRESS: or positive stress

Motivates, focuses energy

Is short-term

Is perceived as within our coping abilities

Improves performance ( music, acting, athletics)
 STOP and write down 2 examples of eustress


Distress or negative stress
 Causes anxiety or concern
 Can be short- or long-term
 Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities
 Feels unpleasant
 Decreases performance
 Can lead to mental and physical problems
 Write down 2 examples of distress:
ACUTE Stress
 Comes immediately with a change of routine
 An intense type of stress
 Passes quickly
 STOP and write down 2 examples of acute stress

SHARE
Chronic Stress
• Constant change of routine for week after week
•
Affects the body for a long period of time
• Stop and give 2 examples of chronic stress
Hyper- stress and Hypo- stress

Hyper stress:
 When an individual is pushed beyond what he or she
can handle
 Even little things can trigger a strong emotional
response
Hypo- stress
• Occurs when an individual is bored or
unchallenged
• Often restless and uninspired

Signs of Stress overload
•anxiety or panic
attacks
•a feeling of being constantly
pressured, hassled, and
hurried
•irritability and
moodiness
•physical
symptoms:
such as
stomach problems,
headaches, or even chest pain
•allergic reactions, such as
eczema or asthma
problems sleeping
Stress-management Skills
• Stop over scheduling
• Talk to people who can help
• Read and learn about stress and controlling it
• Be realistic, don’t try to be perfect
• Get proper sleep
• Maintain a good nutritious diet
• Exercise
• Relaxation techniques
• Think more optimistically, attitude makes a
difference
More Strategies
• Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
• See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
• Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward
•
•
•
•
goals.
Take action to solve problems that crop up.
Build strong relationships and keep commitments to
family and friends.
Have a support system and ask for help.
Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun
Teen Years
 The teen years can be a very stressful time
 Stress is a normal psychological and physical
reaction to the demands of life
 The body's stress reaction was meant to protect you
 Mild stress can actually be beneficial
 Persistent stress can lead to many adverse health
problems

Summary:
•Stress is difficult to measure
•Stress is a basic part of life
•It may build up quickly
•It can be positive or negative
•Sometimes it is ongoing
•Ongoing stress is thought to be bad for
health
•Symptoms of stress can be either
behavioral or physical
•Some people may need help managing
their stress
Questions