Stress Management Crash Course
We are offering an OPTIONAL 2-part crash course on stress management and reduction. Students need to attend both days if they would like to learn more about stress.
It will be offered to 8th graders on December 5th & 13th during FLEX.
It will be offered to 6th & 7th graders on January 11th & 13th during FLEX.
Location: Lecture Room A
Let your FLEX teacher know if you want to go and they will give you a pass.
Stress vs. Anxiety
Stress is generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend. Stress goes away once the situation is resolved. Stress can be positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline, or it may cause you to lose sleep.
Anxiety is generally is internal, meaning it's your reaction to stress. Anxiety usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn't go away, and that interferes with how you live your life. Anxiety is constant, even if there is no immediate threat.
Both Stress and Anxiety can affect your mind and body. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Excessive worry
- Uneasiness
- Tension
- Headaches or body pain
- High blood pressure
- Loss of sleep
Ways to Cope
- Keep a journal.
- Download an app with relaxation exercises.
- Exercise and eat healthy.
- Get regular sleep.
- Avoid excess caffeine.
- Identify and challenge your negative thoughts.
- Reach out to friends and family
Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. All of the above information is directly from National Institute of Mental Health.
Learn more at https://go.usa.gov/xfQKq. #shareNIMH
When should parents/guardians be concerned?
Some of the signs that mean a child may need further help from a mental health professional or health care provider include:
Less interested in school
Dropping grades
Does not show feelings
Difficulty making or keeping friends
Poor grades despite trying hard
Constant worry or anxiety
Persistent stomach aches or other body aches and pains
Refusal to go to school
Hyperactivity
Difficulty focusing
Low energy
Does not seem to be having fun
Loss of interest in usual activities
Sad for long periods of time
Irritable
Using drugs or alcohol
Sleeping less or more than usual
Frequent anger or acting out
Self Critical
When a child has more than one of these signs, the signs are intense, and they last for more than several weeks, parents/guardians should be concerned.
What Should a Parent Do Next?
Talking with your child or teen is always a good idea to learn more about what is happening in their life such as stress or bullying. Parents/guardians should also discuss their concerns with a professional, some possible professionals to contact are:
- Your child’s pediatrician
Your child’s primary health care worker
Your child’s school counselor
8th: Ms. Kunert
7th: Ms. Goodier
6th: Ms. Bechard
ISD 196 Site-Based Mental Health Provider (contact counselors to get referred)
These professionals may give your child or teen a mental health screening to determine whether their symptoms may need follow up care.
Treatment/Possible Options
If a child or teen is diagnosed with depression, anxiety or another mental illness, there are a wide range of treatment options. If medication is presented as one, parents/guardians should weigh the risks and benefits and follow the recommendations regarding follow-up visits and monitoring side effects. It is important to note that there are many effective approaches that do not involve medications and that medication alone is not effective.
Source: NAMI Minnesota, 651-645-2948 or 888-NAMIHELPS www.namihelps.org
Need Food?
Study by National Alliance on Mental Illness
Below is a link to the Key Findings. It is pretty comparable to the Needs Assessment we did here at DHMS!