Stress Survival

Stress Survival for Teens



1) What is stress? Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world.

2) What causes stress? The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. Anything that puts high demands on you or forces you to adjust can be stressful.

3)Relationship difficulties, work, school, and family are the main causes of stress.

4) The mental symptoms of stress include the following: tension, feeling excessively tired, inability to concentrate, and trouble sleeping. The physical symptoms of stress include the following: a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, sweaty palms, and trembling. 

The Situation

Anna recently entered high school. Anna thought it was going to be a fun experience, but it proved to be quite the opposite. Anna has stayed up every night doing work and gets five hours of sleep at best. Anna is always restless during class and always feels like she's lacking energy. Anna has no ability to concentrate, but an interesting solution comes up when Anna's friend Carly suggests having a cigarette. Carly explains to Anna that having a cigarette might reduce the pressure and help her to loosen up. What should Anna do?

Negative- Anna decides it can't be that bad and takes one from Carly. Suddenly Anna feels calm and relaxed. When Carly and Anna finish, Anna agrees to meet Carly everyday after school for a 'breather'.

Positive- Anna politely turns down Carly's offer and walks away. Anna then decides she should do what her friend Missy does everyday, a to-do list. Anna figures that a to-do list might help her stay organized and on top of things. Anna can now manage her time well and has come to the decision to eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast every morning to energize her before school.

Learn about stress