By:Ashley ReykaChristine JamesMichelle CurryNicole Smith

First-Year College Students• Stress in first year more

harmful than anticipated.• Young people 10% more

stressed than adults.• Unable to identify cause of

their problems.• The responses to stress is

different for each individual.

First-Year College Students• If stress is prolonged:

- reduce academic performance

- affect ability to participate in and contribute to campus life

- increase likelihood of drug abuse

Stress• Reaction to everyday demands or

threats by the body and mind

• Has ability to make person choose irrational decisions

• Can lead to risk-taking behaviors

- suicide, dangerous drinking behaviors, poor sleep, falling grades, etc.

Stress Terms• Eustress:

-positive stress

• Distress:- negative stress

• Stressor:-any stimulus that causes a stress response

Major Stressors

• Biological - ex. mental or physical illnesses.

• Environmental- ex. Poverty, pollution, natural disasters.

• Cognitive or Thinking• Personal Behavior

-ex. Tobacco, alcohol, etc.• Life Situations

-ex. Death, parents divorcing, etc.

Signs of Stress• Physical

- Headaches/Migraines

- Trembling/Twitching

- Upset Stomach

- Sweating

- Pounding Heart

- Dizziness

Signs of Stress• Emotional

- Frustration/Nervousness- mood swings- Low self-esteem

• Mental- Trouble reading or

thinking clearly- Losing sense of humor- Constant worry

Signs of Stress

• Behavioral

- Not eating or overeating

- Alcohol/Drug Use

- Withdrawing

-Reckless/High-risk

behaviors

Personality Type and Stress• Type A• Type B• Hardy Personality

• Type A and Type B personalities react differently to the same stressor

Type A Personality• Competitive, high-

achieving personality type

most likely to develop

heart disease or other

significant health problem.

Type B Personality

• “laid back”, non-

competitive personality

type less likely to suffer from

heart disease.

Hardy Personality• Seems able to stay healthy

despite major or even traumatic stressors.

• Have higher degree of resilience• Likes change, strong sense of

purpose, committed, sense of power and control over life.

Statistics: UCLA Freshman

Statistics: UCLA Freshman

Stress-Reducing Activities

• Time Management• Rechanneling Energy• Planning• Physical Activity • Seeking Support • Relaxation Techniques

Stress-Reducing Activities

Time Management Skills

• Set and Prioritize Goals• Budget your time• Learn to Say No• Slow Down

Campus Resources• www.healthygators.hhp.ufl.edu• http://www.shcc.ufl.edu/

gatorwell/wellness/tresources.shtml

• Student Mental Health Services- http://shcc.ufl.edu/smhs/

• http://www.counsel.ufl.edu/-information about test anxiety and time management

College Stress Videos• http://www.cnn.com/video/

#/video/health/2006/09/12/fortin.health.min.college.stress.cnn?iref=videosearch

• http://www.chariotvideos.com/videos/stress.mov

• http://www.learningmeditation.com/reduc1.htm