Jacqueline Melendez, Program Specialist School Counseling/School Social WorkGeorgia Department of Education

The Many Faces of Stress and Student Mental Health

Psychological Definitions

Stress The pattern of specific and nonspecific responses an organism makes to stimulus events that disturb its equilibrium and tax or exceed its ability to cope.Stressor An internal or external event or stimulus that induces stress.

Types of Stress

Acute (short- term) is the body’s instant response to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous.Chronic (long-term) is caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time.

Common Causes of Stress

FinancialEmotionalPhysicalEnvironmentCultureSelf Induced

When Does Stress Occurs?

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.Negative stress can be linked to headaches, upset stomachs, back pain, and trouble sleeping.Can weaken the immune system, cause mood swings and depression.

Symptoms of Stress - General

Stomachaches and/or headachesTrouble concentrating and/or completing assignments, drastic changes in academic performanceMay become withdrawnMay spend a lot of time withdrawnNightmaresOver-react to minor problems

What is Mental Health?

Refers to the psychological well-beingIncludes feelings and quality of relationships, Ability to manage feelings and difficulties

Other Symptoms of Stress

Persistent sadness/cryingExcessive anxietyLack of sleep/constant fatigueExcessive irritabilityIncreased drinkingDrug abuseDifficulty paying attentionApathyNot functioning well at work or school

Other Symptoms of Stress

Younger students- thumb sucking- hair twirling- nose pickingOlder students- may begin to “lie”- bully others- defy authority

Negative Outcomes of Stress

Academic failureSocial maladjustmentHealth problemsPovertyMental illnessSubstance abuseLaw enforcement involvement

Effects of Stress

Immune systemHeartMusclesStomachReproductive organsLungsMental health problems

An Essential Statement

There is a greater need for family and community-based education about mental illness and suicide risk along with increased access to mental health screening.

Mental Health Assessments

School based mental health assessments have had significant success in identifying adolescent at-risk suicidal behavior and can facilitate high rates of follow-up.

Stress Management Strategies

Use humor.Alter the situationAdapt to the stressor.Accept what can’t be changed.

Make time for fun and relaxation.Adopt a healthy lifestyle.Develop supportive relationships.

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to become personally and professionally successful despite severe adversity Resilience is a normal trait that comes from inborn tendencies to adaptResilience can be fostered in the right environment

(Paine, 2002)

Why Resilience is important

Resilience is essential to success in life

Adults can help children become more resilient

Fostering resilience in improves personal outcomes and reduces risk behaviors

Resilience Factors

Caring and supportive relationships.The ability to make realistic plans and implementation of plans.Problem solving and communication skills.Self confidence and self reliance.Capacity to manage strong impulses and feelings.

Developing Resiliency

Learn to accept change.Self- discoverySet goals.Develop positive viewsKeep things in perspective.Maintain a hopeful outlook.Self care.Avoid fatal view of crises.

Stress, Resiliency, and Culture

People react in different ways.Culture can have an impact on communicating feelings, and reaction to adversity.

Why Consider Culture?

Provides people with a design for livingShapes how people see their world and structure community and family.

A person’s cultural affiliation often determines the person’s values, norms, and way of living.

Diversity Issues

Life ExperiencesFamily IssuesBehavioral AdjustmentAcademic PerformanceSecond Language Acquisition Process

Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Identify vulnerable students and populationsBe reassuringAcknowledge and normalizes students feelingsMaintain a normal routineAdults: take care of your needsIncrease positive family timeBe a good listener

NASP, 2008

Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Turn off/restrict televisionPrepare child for family changesDiscuss what is occurring in age appropriate termsPresent facts minimallyTry to avoid extended blamingHelp children explore and express their feelings and opinions with respect

(NASP, 2008)

Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Parents communicate with schoolTeachers assess students needsConsider class discussion if students indicate interestEncourage students to talk to parent, teacher, or other caring adultSeek positive activities for children to help others in need

Helping Children Cope: Tips for Students

Be aware of your feelingsAvoid worse case scenariosMaintain normal routinesTake care of your health, etc.Discover and focus on your strengthsDo something to help othersUse all news sources

Helping Children Cope: Tips for Students

Keep news in perspectiveKnow that adults are “upset”Remain positive

What to do if this is not successful

Consult with school personnelPsychologistCounselorSocial worker

• Consult with mental health personnel in the community

• Consult with spiritual counselors, churches, etc

• Consult with physicians, if stress is prolonged

Look Listen Link: Washington State Project

Curriculum designed for middle school.Consists of four 45 minute lessons.That help students to:

Identify causes of stress.Healthy ways of coping with stress and anxiety.Recognize friends who are depressed and how to link them to resources.

2005 Georgia Suicide Facts

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for 11-18 year olds.1999-2005, a total of 6,433 suicide attempts resulted in death.7.9% attempt suicide.12.4% make a plan for suicide.15.5% seriously think about suicide.

Teen Screen National Center for Mental Health

Resources

Teen Screen National Center: www.teenscreen.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org

Kids Health: http://kids.orgUniversity of Michigan:

http://health.med.umich.eduUCLA School of Mental Health:

http://smph.psych.ucla.edu