Causes of Stress
True or False: All stress is bad
False! Stress can be positive and/or motivating. We call this type of stress 'eustress'. Negative stress is referred to as 'distress'.
True or False: If a person’s mind wanders during meditation, this means they are doing it wrong.
False! It's normal and expected for the mind to wander, even during meditation. The average person has between 70,000-125,000 thoughts per day. On average, the mind wanders 47% of the time.
True or False: Stress and anxiety are the same thing.
False. Stress is your response to a change in environment, whether positive or negative. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and fear.
True or False: Stress causes gray hair.
False, but stress can lead to hair loss.
True or False: Using positive coping skills will always immediately relieve stress or negative emotions.
False. Healthy coping skills may not always provide instant relief, but are more likely to have long-lasting positive outcomes when practiced consistently.
How does caffeine intake affect the stress hormone cortisol?
A) It doesn't
B) It lowers cortisol levels
C) It elevates cortisol levels
C) It elevates cortisol levels
Name a relaxation technique.
Examples: Deep breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness, meditation, body scan, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation
Positive stress is also known as?
A) Distress
B) Prostress
C) Eustress
D) Stress-free
C) Eustress is the term used to describe positive stress
Which of these forms of stress can weaken the immune system?
A) Marital conflict
B) Financial issues
C) Job dissatisfaction
D) All of the above
D) All of the above can cause stress and therefore, weaken the immune system.
List 3 positive coping skills that help reduce stress.
Examples: Listening to music, playing with a pet, laughing, crying, visiting a friend, taking a bath or shower, writing, painting, art, prayer/spirituality practices, going to church, exercising, getting outdoors to enjoy nature, discussing situations with support network, gardening, deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation
What are the top 3 stressed cities in the United States?
1. Chicago, IL
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. New York, NY
According to data published by the APA in 2017, the lowest stress levels are recorded in adults ages ___ and greater.
A) 84
B) 72
C) 66
D) 55
B) 72
Adults ages 72 and greater suffer from stress the least, with an average stress level of 3.3 on the APA’s 10-point stress scale. Millennials have the highest stress levels.
American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in AmericaTM Survey.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, in a non-judgmental way. It is intentional, experiential, and nonjudgmental.
What does the liver do when you're stressed?
A) Clears fewer toxins
B) Makes more blood sugar
C) Makes more bile
D) The liver functions the same when under stress
B) Makes more blood sugar to give you energy.
List 3 negative coping skills for dealing with stress.
Examples: Negative self-talk, chewing fingernails, taking risks, aggression/violence, eating too much or too little, consuming too much caffeine, smoking or chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol/drugs, isolation
According to data from the American Psychological Association published in 2017, What is the most common source of stress in our country?
A) Work
B) Political Climate
C) Money
D) Violence/Crime
E) The Future of our Nation
E) The Future of our Nation
63% The Future of our Nation
62% Money
61% Work
57% Political Climate
51% Violence/Crime
American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in AmericaTM Survey.
Name one change that a person can make in their routine to help reduce the impact of stress.
Examples: 8 hours of sleep, plan healthy meals in advance, plan ahead/schedule, set realistic expectations, see a therapist/counselor, schedule time for fun/relaxation, meditate, mindfulness
Which system of the body controls the stress response?
Central Nervous System
(Brain & Spinal Cord)
If you know you’re going to encounter a stressful situation, how should you handle it?
A) Visit your doctor
B) Avoid it, if possible
C) Prepare
C) Prepare. Preparing helps you actively engage challenges and reduces the overall impact of stress.
Name 3 significant life events that may cause a person stress.
Examples: Moving, divorce, bankruptcy, loss of a loved one, incarceration, SUD treatment, birth/adoption of a child, injury or illness, hospitalization, death, loss of job
Name a phone app designed specifically for Veterans' self-care.
PTSD Coach, PTSD Family Coach, AIMS for Anger Management, Mindfulness Coach, Beyond MST, Couples Coach, COVID Coach, Insomnia Coach, VetChange, MyHealtheVet, etc...
True or False: The stress hormone cortisol is released when you cry emotional tears.
True. Crying releases cortisol, and can therefore reduce stress levels, promote clear thinking and provide a sense of calm.
Long-term exposure to the stress hormone cortisol has been linked to shrinking in what part of the brain?
A) Hippocampus
B) Temporal Lobe
C) Frontal Lobe
D) Cerebellum
A) Hippocampus, the brain's memory center, can shrink with long-term exposure to excess cortisol
Smoking--an unhealthy coping mechanism--is reported by what percentage of American adults?
A) 44%
B) 34%
C) 14%
D) 24%
C) 14% of Americans report smoking
American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in AmericaTM Survey.