STRESS: Need to KnowEustress vs. DistressIdentification of StressorsGeneral Adaptation Response

Alarm – Fight or FlightResistance – HomeostasisExhaustion Hypothalmus Adrenaline

Cortisol

Negative Effects of Stress• Physical: headaches, stomachaches, ulcers,

decreased immune system, change in eating, insomnia, increased risks for heart disease, cancer, addictions, & accidents

• Emotional/Mental: difficulty with concentration, memory and inappropriate expression of emotions, lowered self-esteem, depression, anger

Anger: Need to KnowAnger related to stress includes:Hidden Anger -negativity, sarcasm, outburstsHostility Syndrome -continuous fight or flightAnger expressions:Projection – blame gameDisplacement – taking it out on others/thingsPersonality type:Type A – more prone to distress & anger

Stress/Anger: Nice to Know• 70% of doctor visits are in some way related to

stress!• Children today, especially tweens and teens are

more stressed than their parents realize.• Nearly half are worried about school and 30%

worried about family finances.• Individuals with hostility syndrome have lowered

brain serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate and control primitive drives and emotions.

Some Common Essential Skills:• Managing time wisely – prioritizing• Exercising & being physically active• Practicing relaxation techniques • Breathing deeply & slowly• Building emotional & social support• Eating nutritiously• Getting adequate sleep• Avoiding counterproductive behaviors like

drinking, smoking & taking drugs

Anger Management Skills:• Recognizing triggers• Acknowledging the signs of anger• Electing to control anger• Actively doing something to cool off• Trying to avoid anger triggering

situations

References•Emotional and Social Support. (2009). Retrieved September 18, 2011, from The American Institute of Stress: http://www.stress.org/topic-interest.htm

•LInda Meeks, P. H. (2011). Comprehensive School Health Education. New York: McGraw-Hill.

•Phillip B. Sparling, K. J. (2011). iHealth: An Interactive Framework. New York: McGraw-Hill.

•Stress. (2011). Retrieved September 18, 2011, from Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html#

•Helping our Children with Stress. (2009). Retrieved September 18, 2011, from The New York Times, September 18, 2011: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/helping-our-children-with-stress/