Stress Basics
What is stress?
This is the body’s natural response to a demand or challenge in your life.
What is Eustress?
This word describes “good” stress that helps you perform better, like feeling nervous before a game or performance.
What is sadness or feeling depressed?
This word describes feeling sad or down for a short time because of something that happened.
What is the fight‑or‑flight (or fight, flight, freeze) response?
This is the name of the automatic survival response that prepares your body to handle danger.
What is time out?
This coping strategy means stepping away from a stressful situation for a short time to cool down and think clearly.
What is a acute stress?
This term describes the kind of stress that is normal and can even help you stay alert and motivated for a short time.
What is distress?
This word describes “bad” stress that feels overwhelming and makes it hard to cope.
What is clinical depression (or major depressive disorder)?
This condition involves a sad or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and affects daily life.
What is fight?
In this response, a person faces the threat directly, maybe arguing, yelling, or physically pushing back.
What is work out?
This coping strategy uses physical activity to burn off stress and improve mood.
What is chronic stress?
This type of stress happens when stressors last a long time and can harm your physical or mental health if not managed.
What is something like preparing for a big game, studying for a test you want to do well on, or going on a first date?
This is one example of eustress in everyday life.
What are examples such as feeling hopeless, losing interest in activities, feeling worthless, or feeling guilty?
These are two common emotional symptoms of clinical depression.
What is flight?
In this response, a person tries to escape the threat, such as leaving the situation or avoiding it.
What is reach out?
This coping strategy means connecting with other people for help, comfort, or advice.
What are examples like a fast heartbeat, sweating, headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension?
These are three common physical signs that someone is stressed.
What is something like constant family conflict, being bullied, or worrying every day about money or safety?
This is one example of distress in everyday life.
What are examples such as changes in sleep, changes in appetite, low energy, moving or speaking more slowly, or trouble concentrating?
These are two common physical or behavior changes seen in clinical depression.
What is freeze?
In this response, a person feels stuck, numb, or unable to move or decide what to do.
What are examples such as taking deep breaths, going to a quiet place, listening to music, or doing a calming hobby?
These are two healthy examples of “time out” coping.
What are examples such as exams, sports competitions, performances, moving to a new school, or starting a new job?
Name two life situations that can cause stress in teens but are not necessarily “bad,” just demanding or challenging.
What is that eustress feels challenging and motivating, while distress feels overwhelming and harmful?
In one sentence, this is the main difference between eustress and distress.
What is that sadness is usually short‑term and tied to an event, while clinical depression lasts longer, affects many areas of life, and may need professional help?
This is one key difference between “feeling sad” and having clinical depression.
What are examples such as faster heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, shaky hands, or tense muscles?
These are two physical changes that happen in the body during fight, flight, or freeze.
What are examples such as talking to a friend, family member, teacher, coach, counselor, or helpline?
These are two healthy examples of “reach out” coping.