Age 17

Emma, Age 17		There is both good stress and bad stress. Good stress includes feelings of excitement, anticipation, and the possibility of what may come. One example of good stress is the preparation for a wedding, a vacation, the excitement of transitioning from high school to college, etc. Stress is actually the urgency or motivation that gets us to get up and begin our work each day.
We have all experienced bad stress and for most of us, it is a main component in our daily lives, simply because we live in a stressful society where there are deadlines, due dates, meetings, and where efficiency is emphasized and rewarded. Women and even teen girls are expected to lead two full lives. A working mother and wife is expected to go to work all day, then come home and cook dinner and care for the family and still find time to clean house. Teen girls are also often expected to do a large share of the work at home: such as, caring for younger siblings and helping with cooking and cleaning, while still having to keep up with their schoolwork.

Causes of Stress Challenges or Changes Preparing for a test and taking a test Having a large amount of work and a short amount of time in which to complete it. We often have academic pressure from parents, teachers and ourselves which causes us to experience stress. Starting a new job Having trouble at home (physical or emotional abuse, alcohol problems, strict parents, fights with parents, etc.) A break up with someone Feeling pressure to take drugs or have sex		"The Path of Stress" by Emma, Age 17
What Happens / Harmful Effects Heart rate increases Breathing rate increase Experience muscle tension Poor Concentration Problems making decisions, procrastination Become tired, sad, nervous, irritable, anxious, confused or angry Nervous twitch, "tics" Eat and or sleep less Nightmares The reproductive system is affected (e.g. Irregular periods or periods skipped) The digestive system is affected (e.g. Frequent indigestion, diarrhea, and/or urination) The immune systems is affected (e.g. Frequent colds, infections) Skin rash, canker sores, cold sores Depression/despair Overwhelming urge to cry, hide and/or run away Under Stress, You Are at a Higher Risk for: Alcohol and drug use Heart problems Stomach Problems (Ulcers, etc.) Other Illnesses (Stress is linked to 50% of all diseases, including; cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis) Managing and Coping Skills for Dealing with Stress: Figure out what makes you stressed and avoid those things when possible. Don't make a bunch of big changes in your life all at one time. Try to stop fights before they begin, since they can be stressful events. Try to resolve any conflicts that you have in a peaceful manner. Don't let others push you into doing anything you don't feel comfortable with. Make up your mind about your opinion and standpoint on issues and stick with it. This way you feel good about yourself and less "stressed out". Thinking about and dealing with pressure to do something you don't feel comfortable doing is fairly stressful. Set reasonable goals that challenge you but are reachable. Learn to plan your time- make a list of the things you need to do and list them from most important to least important. Counselors or study skills classes can often help with time management. Do activities you enjoy and which relax you: Work on a hobby Read Hang out with friends Listen to music Go for a walk Learn other methods to relax Meditation Deep Breathing Exercise- not too rigorously, check with your doctor or health-care provider first. Do something you enjoy so that you will want to continue doing it. Get help from others See your health-care provider (doctor) about your stress Share your feelings with your friends and family Talk to an expert Counselor / therapist (they can be found through your school, doctor, church, or phone book under "Mental Health Services") Think Positive. When you focus on possible negative outcomes, your mind sends signals to your body to prepare for danger, and you become tense regardless of whether the event happens. Accept what you cannot change. If a problem is out of your control, you'll get less stressed out if you just accept it rather than worrying. Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and take some time off or time alone each day. These precautions can prevent you from getting colds and other diseases that you are more susceptible to when you are stressed. Resources/More Information Books on relaxation techniques: Tapping the Power Within    By Iyanla Vanzant       -Contains in-depth meditation techniques Hypnosis: The Complete Manual for Health and Self Change    By Brian M. Alman and Peter Lambrou       -Contains story lines or "scripts" which help you to relax
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