Stress Basics
What is stress?
The body's physical and mental response to a demand, challenge, or threat.
What is a coping strategy?
A method used to manage stress or deal with difficult emotions and situations.
What is mental health?
A person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being
What is a mental health disorder?
A condition involving significant changes in thinking, emotions, or behavior that can cause distress or interfere with daily life.
Your friend feels nervous about an upcoming test. Name one healthy coping strategy you could recommend.
Examples include practicing deep breathing, preparing a study schedule, taking a short break, or getting enough sleep.
What is the difference between eustress and distress?
Eustress is positive or motivating stress; distress is negative or overwhelming stress.
Name two healthy ways to cope/deal with stress.
Examples include: exercise, talking to someone, deep breathing, getting enough sleep, organizing tasks, exercise, etc...
Is mental health only about whether someone has a mental health disorder?
No, everyone deals with mental health, and it can change throughout your life.
Name 1 example of a mental health disorder that we covered.
Examples could include: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, ADHD, Schizophrenia or Bipolar
You have a busy week and feel overwhelmed. What is one practical step you could take to manage your workload?
Prioritize tasks, use a planner, break assignments into smaller steps, or ask for help.
Name two physical signs of stress. (Happening to the body)
Examples include a faster heartbeat, sweating, muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort.
What are 2 examples of negative coping? (Ways we should not cope/deal with our stressors)
Examples include: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, letting them problem get worse by doing nothing, social isolation, denying problem, excessive screen time/scrolling.
Name 2 factors that can affect a person's mental health.
Examples include: relationships, sleep, stress, genetics, life experiences, physical health and environment.
What is one common misconception about people who have mental health disorders?
That they are weak, that they can simply choose to stop experiencing symptoms, or that all people with these disorders behave the same way or that they are less than others who do not have a mental health disorder.
A student has been withdrawing from friends and struggling with everyday activities. What is a supportive way to respond?
Check in privately, listen without judgment, and encourage them to speak with a trusted adult or school counselor.
What is the difference between episodic stress and chronic stress?
Episodic stress is short-term or stress that comes and goes. Chronic stress lasts for a longer period of time
Using the definition of Mindfulness (ability to know what's going on your head, without getting carried away by it) what is 1 benefit of practicing Mindfulness?
Answers could include: not making reactionary decisions, lowers stress levels, observe your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult when emotional difficulties begin affecting everyday life?
They can offer: support, identify next steps to a solution, give advice on how to handle situations, or connect you to resources.
What is the basic definition of anxiety?
A friend says people with mental health disorders are just looking for attention. How could you respond?
Explain that mental health disorders are real health conditions, symptoms aren't simply a choice, and people deserve understanding and support.
A student feels stressed before a big game, and that stress helps them focus and prepare. What type of stress is this, and why?
Eustress, because the stress motivates the student and can improve preparation or performance.
Why might avoiding a problem or procrastinating make stress worse over time?
The problem may remain unresolved, deadlines get closer, and worry or pressure may increase.
True or false: Someone can experience a difficult period of mental health without having a diagnosable mental health disorder. Explain.
True. Stressful events and emotional challenges can affect anyone, and not every difficulty meets the criteria for a disorder.
What is negative stigma and how do we help reduce it?
Stigma is a mark of disgrace, negative attitude, stereotype, or prejudice directed toward a person or group based on certain characteristics, such as a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
We help by: speaking up when we hear negative stigma, by educating yourself and others, show empathy and avoid making jokes on mental health.
A student has felt overwhelmed for several weeks, has trouble sleeping, and is struggling at school. Identify two helpful next steps and explain why professional support might be appropriate.
Possible steps include talking to a trusted adult, school counselor, or healthcare professional, and using healthy coping strategies. Ongoing symptoms affecting daily life deserve support and assessment rather than a student trying to diagnose themselves.