Jacqueline Melendez, Program Specialist School Counseling/School Social WorkGeorgia Department of Education
The Many Faces of Stress and Student Mental Health
Psychological Definitions
Stress The pattern of specific and nonspecific responses an organism makes to stimulus events that disturb its equilibrium and tax or exceed its ability to cope.Stressor An internal or external event or stimulus that induces stress.
Types of Stress
Acute (short- term) is the body’s instant response to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous.Chronic (long-term) is caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time.
When Does Stress Occurs?
Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.Negative stress can be linked to headaches, upset stomachs, back pain, and trouble sleeping.Can weaken the immune system, cause mood swings and depression.
Symptoms of Stress - General
Stomachaches and/or headachesTrouble concentrating and/or completing assignments, drastic changes in academic performanceMay become withdrawnMay spend a lot of time withdrawnNightmaresOver-react to minor problems
What is Mental Health?
Refers to the psychological well-beingIncludes feelings and quality of relationships, Ability to manage feelings and difficulties
Other Symptoms of Stress
Persistent sadness/cryingExcessive anxietyLack of sleep/constant fatigueExcessive irritabilityIncreased drinkingDrug abuseDifficulty paying attentionApathyNot functioning well at work or school
Other Symptoms of Stress
Younger students- thumb sucking- hair twirling- nose pickingOlder students- may begin to “lie”- bully others- defy authority
Negative Outcomes of Stress
Academic failureSocial maladjustmentHealth problemsPovertyMental illnessSubstance abuseLaw enforcement involvement
An Essential Statement
There is a greater need for family and community-based education about mental illness and suicide risk along with increased access to mental health screening.
Mental Health Assessments
School based mental health assessments have had significant success in identifying adolescent at-risk suicidal behavior and can facilitate high rates of follow-up.
Stress Management Strategies
Use humor.Alter the situationAdapt to the stressor.Accept what can’t be changed.
Make time for fun and relaxation.Adopt a healthy lifestyle.Develop supportive relationships.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to become personally and professionally successful despite severe adversity Resilience is a normal trait that comes from inborn tendencies to adaptResilience can be fostered in the right environment
(Paine, 2002)
Why Resilience is important
Resilience is essential to success in life
Adults can help children become more resilient
Fostering resilience in improves personal outcomes and reduces risk behaviors
Resilience Factors
Caring and supportive relationships.The ability to make realistic plans and implementation of plans.Problem solving and communication skills.Self confidence and self reliance.Capacity to manage strong impulses and feelings.
Developing Resiliency
Learn to accept change.Self- discoverySet goals.Develop positive viewsKeep things in perspective.Maintain a hopeful outlook.Self care.Avoid fatal view of crises.
Stress, Resiliency, and Culture
People react in different ways.Culture can have an impact on communicating feelings, and reaction to adversity.
Why Consider Culture?
Provides people with a design for livingShapes how people see their world and structure community and family.
A person’s cultural affiliation often determines the person’s values, norms, and way of living.
Diversity Issues
Life ExperiencesFamily IssuesBehavioral AdjustmentAcademic PerformanceSecond Language Acquisition Process
Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Identify vulnerable students and populationsBe reassuringAcknowledge and normalizes students feelingsMaintain a normal routineAdults: take care of your needsIncrease positive family timeBe a good listener
NASP, 2008
Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Turn off/restrict televisionPrepare child for family changesDiscuss what is occurring in age appropriate termsPresent facts minimallyTry to avoid extended blamingHelp children explore and express their feelings and opinions with respect
(NASP, 2008)
Helping Children Cope: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Parents communicate with schoolTeachers assess students needsConsider class discussion if students indicate interestEncourage students to talk to parent, teacher, or other caring adultSeek positive activities for children to help others in need
Helping Children Cope: Tips for Students
Be aware of your feelingsAvoid worse case scenariosMaintain normal routinesTake care of your health, etc.Discover and focus on your strengthsDo something to help othersUse all news sources
Helping Children Cope: Tips for Students
Keep news in perspectiveKnow that adults are “upset”Remain positive
What to do if this is not successful
Consult with school personnelPsychologistCounselorSocial worker
• Consult with mental health personnel in the community
• Consult with spiritual counselors, churches, etc
• Consult with physicians, if stress is prolonged
Look Listen Link: Washington State Project
Curriculum designed for middle school.Consists of four 45 minute lessons.That help students to:
Identify causes of stress.Healthy ways of coping with stress and anxiety.Recognize friends who are depressed and how to link them to resources.
2005 Georgia Suicide Facts
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for 11-18 year olds.1999-2005, a total of 6,433 suicide attempts resulted in death.7.9% attempt suicide.12.4% make a plan for suicide.15.5% seriously think about suicide.
Teen Screen National Center for Mental Health