Stress

Stress: how the body and brain react to a need or demand that it sees as an obstacle or challenge

Amygdala: almond shaped part of the brain inside the limbic system that triggers the fight, flight or freeze response. It plays a key role in memory, decision-making, and emotional responses

Cortisol: A hormone widely known as the "stress hormone" because levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress 

Coping Skills: Strategies to manage stress and other negative emotions

Active coping: facing the problem and finding solutions, even when it is difficult or feels hard

Avoidant coping: seeking to change negative feelings by participating in an activity that gives the brain a break

• Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale for Adults

  Stress test quiz to analyze your chances of experiencing illness or disease as a result of your stress level.

• Stress Screener

  Take an online stress screener from Mental Health America. 

ACTIVITIES

• Teach Children the Pros and Cons of Stress

  Learn about the pros and cons of stress and challenge your child's mindset.

• Teach Children about Active vs Avoidant Coping

  Learn about active vs avoidant coping and challenge your child's mindset.

• Teach and Engage in Stress Management Techniques

  Use this article to brainstorm new ways of healthy coping and reduce stress.

• Use a Stress Thermometer

  Fill out a stress thermometer to explore stress states and corresponding coping mechanisms with your child. 

• Stress Thermometer Example

  Use this stress thermometer example to help fill out your own.

LINKS

• Ruby Finds a Worry - Ages 3-6

  Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival provides kid-friendly ways to talk about tough topics and build emotional intelligence.

• Helping Kids Cope with Cliques

  Article from Kids Health about helping kids cope with the stress of cliques.

• Childhood Stress

  Article from Kids Health about childhood stress.

ORGANIZATIONS

• The American Institute of Stress

  The mission of AIS is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence of stress management in education, research, clinical care and the workplace. 

• TeenCounseling.com

  TeenCounseling is an online platform where teens from ages 13-19 can get help from a licensed therapist online. TeenCounseling.com makes affordable, discreet, professional counseling available through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

RESEARCH & READINGS

• Gen Z Stress in America Survey

  American Psychological Association for the Stress in America Survey (2018)

Stress: how the body and brain react to a need or demand that it sees as an obstacle or challenge

Amygdala: almond shaped part of the brain inside the limbic system that triggers the fight, flight or freeze response. It plays a key role in memory, decision-making, and emotional responses

Cortisol: A hormone widely known as the "stress hormone" because levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress 

Coping Skills: Strategies to manage stress and other negative emotions

Active coping: facing the problem and finding solutions, even when it is difficult or feels hard

Avoidant coping: seeking to change negative feelings by participating in an activity that gives the brain a break

• Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale for Adults

  Stress test quiz to analyze your chances of experiencing illness or disease as a result of your stress level.

• Stress Screener

  Take an online stress screener from Mental Health America. 

ACTIVITIES

• Mindset Challenge: Pros and Cons of Stress

  Learn about the pros and cons of stress and challenge your mindset.

• Mindset Challenge: Active vs Avoidant Coping

  Learn about active vs avoidant coping and challenge your mindset.

• Listen to Article: 5 Steps to Handle Stress

  Listen to an article from Kids Health about the 5 steps to cope with stress for youth.

• Listen to Article: If Homework is Stressful

  Listen to an article from Kids Health about what to do if homework is stressful.

• Use a Stress Thermometer

  Fill out a stress thermometer to explore stress states and corresponding coping mechanisms.

• Stress Thermometer Example

  Use this stress thermometer example to help fill out yours.

LINKS

• Explore Kids Health Website

  Get info about a variety of sources of stress for kids and how to cope.

ORGANIZATIONS

• The American Institute of Stress

  The mission of AIS is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence of stress management in education, research, clinical care and the workplace. 

• TeenCounseling.com

  TeenCounseling is an online platform where teens from ages 13-19 can get help from a licensed therapist online. TeenCounseling.com makes affordable, discreet, professional counseling available through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

READINGS & RESEARCH

• Gen Z Stress in America Survey

  American Psychological Association for the Stress in America Survey (2018)