Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

Identifying triggers for stressDiscuss coping and relaxation skills

Importance of good sleep, exercise and nutritionDepression/Anxiety

Developing a list of supports (your “Go to people”)Ways to help our friends who are struggling

A physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension

Good Stress-Before a test or competition motivates us to do well.

Bad Stress- Warns us that something is off balance or unhealthy.

What is Stress?

School work/Academic Performance Sports Family changes- Divorce, Loss, death Friendships Health Lack of fun Feeling Alone Disrespect What are your triggers?

Causes for Stress

Stress It’s ok, everyone experiences stress

◦ You are not alone! There are safe ways to deal with stress Stress can be good (motivating) When Stress makes you feel bad (stomach

aches, extreme worry, not feeling well mentally and/or physically) for a long time (every day for a week, on and off over two weeks)… Ask for help

Make sure you have your Who I CAN Go To List ready!

Exercise- run, play sports, yoga, go to the gym Relax

◦ Deep breathing (blue square, triangle breathing, count to 10),◦ take a nap/ lay on the couch◦ sit in the sun ◦ watch a happy movie or television show◦ listen to music◦ read something fun◦ Meditate◦ read an inspirational book/poems/bible

Get to bed early (8 hours of sleep) Talk to a friend or adult you trust in order to vent or get advice Do something fun

◦ Paint◦ Draw◦ play guitar◦ visit a friend◦ play video games/I pad games◦ prepare a fun meal/snack

What Can I do when I feel stress?

Use “fidget toys” Break down your task into pieces

◦ Don’t overwhelm yourself and think you have to get it done all at once

Make a plan on paper Interact with a pet/ animal Go for a walk outside Give yourself time to sit quietly and think Think positive thoughts

◦ change muddy thoughts to clear thoughts Ask for help!

Home Mom, Dad, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles,

Grandparents, Neighbors, Close Family Friends Community Coaches, Leaders of boy scouts or girl scouts,

Dance Teachers, Sunday School Teachers, Second Language School Teachers

School Teachers, Principal, LMC, School Secretaries, Nurse,

Reading Teachers, Kasper staff, OT, PT, Speech, SW, Psych. Gym Teacher, Art Teacher, Music Teacher, bus driver!

Who are my go to people? List of People I trust

Encourage them to talk about their feelings Be understanding and supportive Remind your friends there are safe ways to deal

with their stress Know that there is a limit to what you can do

Sometimes your friend needs to talk to an adult or a professional

Encourage your friend to talk to an adult if they are feeling unsafe or stressed for more than a few days

If you are scared your friend is being unsafe, or is going to be unsafe… tell an adult!!

How can I help my friends?