Stressed out?Stressed out?

UnderstandingUnderstanding

G A SG A S

Top Ten Sources of Stress for KidsTop Ten Sources of Stress for Kids

Diana Diana BohmerBohmer     In addition to minor aggravations like running late or having a bad In addition to minor aggravations like running late or having a bad

hair day, kids (like the rest of us) have to cope with major life hair day, kids (like the rest of us) have to cope with major life events. These events don't have to be negative to be stressful. events. These events don't have to be negative to be stressful. Remember: the key component to stress is change. Remember: the key component to stress is change.

Parent having problems.Parent having problems. Fight with a friend or a sibling.Fight with a friend or a sibling. Taking a test.Taking a test. Wondering if someone thinks you're attractive (teens especially).Wondering if someone thinks you're attractive (teens especially). Not having enough privacy.Not having enough privacy. Birth of a brother or sister.Birth of a brother or sister. Moving to a new school.Moving to a new school. Re/marriage of a parent.Re/marriage of a parent. Not having enough money.Not having enough money. A teacher who doesn't like you.A teacher who doesn't like you. Source: Mind/Body Medical InstituteSource: Mind/Body Medical Institute

GENERAL ADAPTATION GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROMESYNDROME

G A SG A S

Alarm Stage

Physical reaction To stress

ResistanceStage

Returning to normal

STRESSOR

Responding to stressResponding to stressSTRESSOR

Adrenaline(hormone)

ENGERY

RESPONSE

Healthful HarmfulEustress Distress

make plan feel confident

exercise

Beta-endorphins

Well-being

Panic Can’t sleep

fatigueHeart & lungs work too hard

Fewer white blood cells

Becomeill

G A SG A SGeneral Adaptation SyndomeGeneral Adaptation Syndome

Alarm Stage –physical responseAlarm Stage –physical response Resistance Stage – returning to Resistance Stage – returning to

normalnormal Exhaustion Stage-Exhaustion Stage-

continued stress over timecontinued stress over time

1. The body is worn down1. The body is worn down

2. Accidents are more likely to occur2. Accidents are more likely to occur

3. Diseases might develop3. Diseases might develop

The EndThe End

Stay in Stay in balancebalance

Possible long term effectsPossible long term effects

Immediate responseImmediate response Long-term effectLong-term effect

1. Heart beats faster1. Heart beats faster rise is blood rise is blood pressurepressure

2. Faster breathing2. Faster breathing TirednessTiredness

3. Digestion slows3. Digestion slows Sores in stomachSores in stomach

4. Blood flow to muscles4. Blood flow to muscles Cold hands and Cold hands and feetfeet

5. Blood thickens faster blood clots or 5. Blood thickens faster blood clots or strokestroke

6. Glucose in blood6. Glucose in blood Drop in blood sugarDrop in blood sugar

7. Muscles contact7. Muscles contact TirednessTiredness

Stress reducing activitiesStress reducing activities Use time management skillsUse time management skills Get enough sleepGet enough sleep Keep a sense of humorKeep a sense of humor Help othersHelp others Stay physically active – exerciseStay physically active – exercise Write in a journalWrite in a journal Talk with trusted adultsTalk with trusted adults Spend time with friendsSpend time with friends Care for petsCare for pets