2nd Quarter Notes

Coping With Stress

Definition of Health

  • World Health Organization (WHO): Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Well-Being

  • A subjective state emerging from a general feeling of satisfaction with oneself.

  • Conditions include good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Mental Health (WHO)

  • Key characteristics include:

    • Realizes potential

    • Can cope with normal stresses of life

    • Works productively and fruitfully

    • Contributes to community

  • Characteristics of People with Good Mental Health:

    • At peace with themselves

    • Emotional control

    • Adjusts to new situations

    • Copes with stressors

    • Aware of strengths, weaknesses, and limitations

    • Feels secure

    • Realistic life goals

    • Smooth social relationships

    • Conforms to social norms

    • Satisfies needs adequately and appropriately

Understanding Stress

  • Definition: A natural physiological response to environmental demands, often triggered by perceived threats.

Fight or Flight Response

  • Represents choices faced when confronted with danger—either to fight or to take flight for safety.

Indicators of Stress

  • Increased tension, anxiety, and restlessness/fidgeting.

  • Increased aggression, irritability, hostility.

  • Difficulty in routine tasks and diminished decision-making abilities.

Sources of Stress

  • Physical Sources:

    • Pollution, congested places, high noise levels.

    • Transitioning to new environments or routines.

    • Fatigue, pain, trauma.

  • Mental Sources:

    • Academic overload, exam preparation, lack of organization, deadlines.

  • Emotional, Social, Psychological Factors:

    • Feelings of lack of support and interpersonal conflicts leading to frustration and anger.

Economic and Spiritual Stressors

  • Economic: Limited financial resources impacting essential needs.

  • Spiritual: Loss of joy, peace, or tranquility disturbance.

Types of Conflict

  • Conflict: Choosing between incompatible options can increase stress and lead to crises.

  • Types of Conflict:

    • Approach-Approach Conflict: Choosing between two desirable goals.

    • Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: Choosing between two undesirable goals.

    • Approach-Avoidance Conflict: Choosing one goal with both positive and negative aspects.

Reactions or Effects of Stress

  • Physical Effects:

    • Symptoms include migraines, hypertension, hair loss, upset stomach, rapid pulse, and sweating.

  • Psychological Effects:

    • Issues include inability to concentrate, depression, insecurity, and irritability.

  • Behavioral Effects:

    • Include aggression, restlessness, diminished appetite, substance use, and frequent errors.

Stressors for Senior High School Students

  • Breakups, arguments within families, pressure from self and others, changes in family financial status, serious family illness, and school-related pressures.

Eustress

  • Positive stress promoting growth and development; sufficient challenges foster resourcefulness and initiative in problem-solving.

Coping With Stress

Healthy Practices

  • Eat a balanced diet.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Maintain good sleeping habits.

  • Avoid drugs and alcohol.

  • Engage in hobbies and practice deep breathing exercises.

  • Cultivate gratitude and awareness in the present moment.

  • Plan and prioritize daily tasks, including leisure activities.

  • Seek help when needed and practice kindness to others.

Prioritization

  • Importance of prioritizing tasks to manage stress, e.g., completing important school assignments before leisure activities.

Coping Strategies

Problem-Focused Coping

  • Directly confronting the demands of a stressful situation:

    • Studying for exams, resolving misunderstandings.

  • Time management courses for improving organization.

Emotion-Focused Coping

  • Managing stress without addressing the problem directly:

    • Denial of problems, challenging irrational thoughts.

Seeking Social Support

  • Turning to others for assistance during stressful times.

Stress Management Tips from the American Psychological Association

  • Identify stress sources and signals.

  • Recognize personal coping strategies and find healthier management methods.

  • Prioritize self-care and reach out for support.