Toxic Stress
Can toxic stress be good?
No - it's toxic!
Sports
Good
What are the 3 types of coping skills you need to effectively manage your stress?
Immediate, short term, long-term
Is taking medication a type of stress management?
Yes!
Taking a hot shower when you get home from school
Short
What is toxic stress?
When a bad stress is pervasive and continues over an extended period of time. It take over your body physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Bad
Why do we need all 3 types of coping skills?
Using all 3 allows you to effectively address your stress in the moment and over time.
Ms. Ward is struggling with her sleep. What are 3 coping skills (one of each type) she can use to work on her sleep habit?
Teacher discretion
Seeing a therapist
Long
What are 3 symptoms of toxic stress?
Sleep problems, appetite, irritability, trouble making decisions and focusing, health issues, immune system struggles, etc.
What makes a stress bad?
It's a stress that does not push you to do better, it has a negative impact you.
When should you practice your coping skills?
All the time - when you're at baseline, stressed, and any other time!
If you are sad, what are 3 coping skills you should avoid?
Sleep, isolation, drinking, listening to sad music
Working out 4 days a week for an extended period of time.
Long term
What are ways to address toxic stress?
Therapy, doctors, medication, seek support, change daily habits
What makes a type of stress good?
It pushes you to do something or be better at something.
Are all coping skills healthy? Give examples.
No - smoking, drinking, fighting, etc.
What are 3 positive, immediate coping skills for when you're angry?
Deep breathing, taking a walk, exercise, pacing, punching bag, talk to a friend/trusted person
Planning a movie night after a long day
Short
What is the most important thing to address toxic stress?
Positive Relationships
A deadline at work
Good
Ms. Creek is experiencing toxic stress related to her job and children being away/getting married. Give a coping plan that includes all 3 types.
Teacher judges
What are Ms. Ward's top 4 favorite coping skills?
Walk my dogs, talk to Ms. Creek, have a favorite food, shop
Other acceptable answers: fidget, plant stuff, clean
Deep breathing
Trick question! Deep breathing is an immediate coping skill.