COPING WITH STRESS

IN MIDDLE AND LATE

ADOLESCENCE

Maricar A. Seguin, RCrim, MEd

Lecturer
Agenda
After going through this lesson, you
are expected to:
1. Discuss that understanding of mental
health and psychological well-being to
identify ways to cope with stress during
adolescence;
2. Identify causes and effects of stress in
one’s life; and
3. Demonstrate personal ways to cope
with stress and maintain mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH
MATTERS
Mental Health
Mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social well-being. It
affects how we think, feel, and act. It also
helps determine how we handle stress,
relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health is a positive concept

related to the social and emotional
wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Having good mental health, or being mentally healthy,
is more than just the absence of illness, rather it’s a
state of overall wellbeing.
The concept is influenced by culture, but it generally relates to:
• Enjoyment of life
• Having the ability to cope with and ‘bounce back’ from stress and
sadness
• Being able to set and fulfill goals
• Having the capability to build and maintain relationships with others.
 According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in
which the individual realizes his or her own
abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of
life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is
able to make a contribution to his or her
community”.
Psychological Wellbeing (PWB)

It refers to positive mental states,

such as happiness or
satisfaction, and in many ways it
is not necessary, or helpful to
worry about fine distinctions
between such terms.
Mental health is influenced by several biological, psychological, social
and environmental factors which interact in complex ways. These
include:

Structural factors such as safe living environments, employment,

education, freedom from discrimination and violence, and access to
economic resources

Community factors such as a positive sense of belonging, community

connectedness, activities to highlight and embrace diversity, social
support, and participation in society

Individual factors such as the ability to manage thoughts and cope with
stressors and having communication and social skills to support
connection with others.
 Disappointed in life?
Feeling stressed out?
Not having any fun?
Feeling worn out?

If your answer is YES, you

are not alone.
Why should
mental health
matter to you
and your family?
Your mental health can affect many
areas of your life;

1. work
2. school or home life
relationships with others
3. sleep,
4. appetite,
5. energy levels,
6. ability to think clearly or make
decisions
7. physical health
8. life satisfaction and more...
4 BASIC DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH AND
WELL BEING.

Mental health is determined by our

overall patterns of thoughts,
emotions, behaviors and body
reactions.
1. Thoughts
The way you think about something has a big impact on your mental
health. Changes in your thoughts often go along with changes in your
mental health. When you feel well, it's easier to see life in a more
balanced and constructive way. When you aren't well, it's easy to get
stuck on negative things and ignore positive things.
Examples of helpful thoughts
• I know I can cope and get through these rough times
• There are things in my life that I feel excited about!
• I know my friends really care about me
2. Body reactions
Body reactions are changes in your body functions such as heart
rate, breathing, digestion, brain chemicals, hormones and more.
Changes in your body reactions often go along with changes in
your mental health.
Examples of body reactions
• Muscle tension, muscle aches or headaches
• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach or nausea
3. Emotions
A big part of emotions is the way you feel. Emotions can be
pleasant, unpleasant or blended, such as when you have two
emotions at the same time. Changes in emotions often
accompany changes in mental health.
Examples of emotions/feelings
• Happiness or joy
• Contentment
• Calmness
4. Behaviors
Behaviors are the ways you act and respond to your
environment. Some behaviors are helpful, and some can be
harmful. Changes in behavior often go along with changes in
mental health.
Examples of helpful behaviors
• Working on a solution to a problem one step at a time
• Reaching out to a friend or family member for support and
understanding
• Practicing your spiritual activities
 Stress
Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical
or mental equilibrium. In other words, it's an omnipresent part of
life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response,
causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through
the body.

Stress -it is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension

resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. It is the
body’s response to a threatening situation or to change.
 Stress
Stress as a response is the way the body reacts
to challenging situations. This involves the interactions
between the hormones, glands and nervous system
where the adrenal gland drives the production of
cortisol or better known as “Stress hormone”
 Stressors
Stressors have a major influence upon mood, our sense of well-being,
behavior, and health.
The long-term effects of stressors can damage health.

• External-are those that come outside of you like situations, people or

experience.
• Internal-are those coming from within you, like thoughts that caused you
to feel fearful, uncertain about future, lack of control over situations and
even personal beliefs which include your expectations.
Eustress
Eustress refers to a positive and healthy response of the body from a
stressor. It produces good feelings to one’s well-being.
❑Example, a student who studied so hard for the examination then took
and got an outstanding grade in it, he may feel happiness and enjoyment.

Distress
On the other hand, distress refers to a negative reaction of the body
towards a given stressor.
❑For example, when a student failed in his subject he may experience sadness
and disappointment.
Coping strategies are the actions we take to deal with stress, problems, or
uncomfortable emotions. Unhealthy coping strategies often provide
instant gratification or relief, but have long-term negative consequences. In
contrast, healthy coping strategies don’t always feel good in the moment, but
they contribute to long-lasting positive outcomes.
Examples of unhealthy coping Examples of healthy coping
strategy strategy
Drug or alcohol use Exercise
Overeating Talking about your problem
Procrastination Healthy eating
Sleeping too much or too little Seeking professional help
Social withdrawal Relaxation technique
Self-harm Using social support
Agression Problem-solving techniques
Keep your
FAITH