What is stress?
Stress is a non-specific response of the body to any demand or challenge
Stress is anything that threatens us, nags at us, scares us, worries us, and thrills us

* Stress is inevitable aspect of life. We are under stress every day. Without it we wouldn’t move, think, get out of bed, or care. * Stress is responsible for 70 % of visits to doctors and for 85 % serious illnesses * Stress can act as a motivator; some people do their best work under stress * Stress is a challenge for everyone * Each of us has a great deal of freedom to decide how much impact stressful events will have on our lives * The most health, successful and accident free people are those who manage stress well. * People who feel alone in the world, even if they are involved with other people and their community, run a higher risk of illness due to stress

Good Stress and Bad Stress * Not all stress is bad for you- eustress is a helpful kind of stress * Eustress is the type of stress you experience right before you have the need to exert physical force. It prepares the muscles, heart and mind for the strength needed for whatever is about to occur * Eustress can also apply to mental/ creative endeavours it helps you be more creative. It can give you a burst of mental energy.

Distress- acute and chronic * Acute distress- is a type of stress that comes immediately with a change in routine. It is an intense type of stress, but passes quickly Example: Almost having an accident * Chronic distress- occurs when there is a constant change of routine week after week. Chronic stress affects the body for a long period of time often causing illness. Examples: constantly facing moves or changing jobs. Classes that causes anxiety.
Teenage Stress * Studies show that 1/3 of teens suffer at least 1 episode of stress every week * Stress factors for teens are * School work-78% ® * Parents- 78 %® * Romantic Relationships- 64% * Problems with Friends- 64% * Siblings- 64%

Other Teenage Stressors * Separations or Divorce of Parents * Death of Family Member of Friend * Chronic illness * Changing School * Financial Problems
Girls vs. Boys * Girls are affected more than boys * Girls respond to stress by seeking help from others or by trying to remove stress * Boys respond to stress by trying to ignore the stressor or by engaging he mind away from the source of stress
Signs of Stress overload in Teens * Increase physical illness (headaches, stomach, aches, chronic fatigue) * Shutting down and withdrawal from people and activities * Increased anger and irritability * Increased tearfulness and feelings of hopelessness * Chronic feelings of worry and nervousness * Difficulty eating and sleeping * Difficulty concentrating
Effects of stress
Stage 1 - The initial alarm reaction
Stage 2- Intensification or recovery