stress and anxiety
DESCRIPTION
STRESS and ANXIETY. What is Stress?. Stress is a mismatch between the demands in our lives and the resources we have to deal with those demands. This mismatch is often caused by changes, either large or small Stress is not an event, but your reaction to the event. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
STRESS and ANXIETY
Stress is a mismatch between the demands in our lives and the resources we have to deal with those demands.
This mismatch is often caused by changes, either large or small
Stress is not an event, but your reaction to the event
What is Stress?
Pain, injury, and illnessDivorce or Financial Crisis of the familyDeath or loss of a loved one.
Major Causes of Stress for children
• Tests• Homework• School• Grades • Busy schedules• Fights with friends• Bullies• Family problems• Wanting to be like by
others• Worries about world
events• Team tryouts
Additional Stressors
Stress Test
Children respond by what they experienced in the past
• insignificant to adults, but small changes can impact a child's feelings of safety and security.
Children's Responses to Stress
• It’s physical-fight or flight response, adrenaline.
• Our bodies are all geared up with nowhere to go…if we do nothing we remain in a state of unproductive tension
Examples- • Instant Replays
• Lack of Sleep• Illness
What is Stress Made of?
IT’s Mental-Stress is not all in your head, but that’s where
you start-Events don’t cause stress, it’s how you
interpret and react to them
Continued
Stress CAN be GOOD!- Most people work best under pressure- It can be a powerful source of growth- We often learn the most when we are forced
to
Continued
Stress is Harmful- Stress hurts when it becomes a way of life
Heart disease, ulcers, cancer, anger, and drugs.
Continued
The Annoyance ListOverload AssessmentPersonality TypeHow much stress can you take by Dr. Thomas
H. HolmesKids Love THEM!
Brief Stress Tests
I have to be the best at everything Everyone must like me I Cannot make a mistake If someone disagrees with me, they don’t like
me I can’t make a decision, because if it’s wrong,
I’ll regret it foreverThe embarrassment will NEVER endLife isn’t fair It’s just bad luck
Their beliefs
Cry more than usual, frequent, urination, grinding teeth, nightmares, BAD LUCK
Can’t sleep/sleep moreEat MoreIrritability/overly sensitiveCaffeine/lack of food/change in dietManifestation of pain, migraines, obsessionsDifficulty focusing/constant motionDon’t feel like doing anything/lack of emotion
SYMPTOMS
Of all the things we’ve worried about, how many came true….Multiply by 10 for a kid.
Has this happened before, what did I learn, worst possible , scenario, 5 years from now, magic carpet
Pain bodyResponsibility
Ahhhhhceptance
How do we cope? FlexibilityReceiving constructive criticism openlyDismissing negative attacksTaking control of your actions..accepting
when YOU messed upTalking about it….I am really mad right now
and it’s not your fault but…BAD= Denial
COPING
Problems, Challenges, PossibilitiesIrrational statement-make it rationalMake Connections-OPRAH- people who feel
lucky have friends, relatives, work colleagues..etc., Help your kids make those connections
ALWAYS remember kids model what YOU doChores can calm you downAnimals can be therapeutic tooWorry Jar
Make a list
Get up earlyJournalDraw it, paint itDon’t put it offBe prepared to WaitKnow you won’t get along with everyoneHelp SomeoneLaughListen to Music, take a bathForgive and forget the past…we all mess upBreathe
Proven Stress Reducers
Vision BoardEXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXCERCISEPositive Self-TalkPeople and the Drama TriangleOne item a weekMotivation- Famous peopleLet them make decisions-codependency and it’s effectsThe POTPractice Saying, “NO.”Rewrite your script- 3 columns (would happen,
reaction, self-talk)Know your Patterns/Triggers- poster (foods)
THE SECRET
•Seeks help •Sense of belonging at school•Low levels of family stress
•Secure relationships•Avoids negative peer pressure
Resilience
• Consistent, dependable, schedule• Monitor TV and news• Calm Time- example- (compliments)• Encourage your child to ask questions.• Encourage expression of concerns, worries, or fears.• Listen to your child without being critical.• Affection and include them situations where he or she
can succeed.• Keep your child informed of necessary and anticipated
changes such as changes in jobs or moving-Truth• Seek professional help or advice when signs of stress
do not decrease or disappear.
Ways You Can Help
Mrs. Gail Hague-Duquesne UniversityStress can Really Get on Your Nerves! By
Trevor Romain & Elizabeth VerdickMore Stuff to Help Kids Chill Out- The Anger
and Stress Management Book By Jerry Wilde, PHD
Jayne M. Treinen-Yager and Geoffrey Yager, PHDs- University of Cincinnati
Resources