Understanding Stressors and Their Effects

Understanding Stress

• Stress caused by life changes such as separation, moving homes, or starting a new job.
• Body reactions include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and elevated respiration.
• Stressors can be individuals, situations, or experiences impacting mental state.

Types of Stress

• Eustress (Good Stress):

  • Short-term with a clear solution.
  • Challenges that are manageable, potentially leading to fulfillment.
  • May involve some frustration but ultimately promotes happiness.
  • Less likely to negatively impact physical health.

• Distress (Bad Stress):

  • Can be short-term or chronic, usually perceived as overwhelming.
  • Often involves anxiety, panic, or hopelessness.
  • More likely to negatively affect physical health.

Sources of Stressors

• Internal Stressors:

  • Originates from personal thoughts, fears, and uncertainties.
  • Includes lack of control and personal beliefs.

• External Stressors:

  • Stemming from external situations, people, or experiences.
  • Often includes societal and environmental pressures.

Stressors Faced by Senior High School Students

• School demands and expectations.
• Choosing a school, college course, or career path.
• Separation anxiety from temporary endings in relationships.
• Adjusting to unfamiliar college life.
• Navigating romantic relationships or feelings of isolation.
• Family expectations and health concerns.
• Social life demands, including bullying.

Coping with Stress

• Coping strategies aim to restore balance, combining problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches.

• Effective stress reduction methods include:

  • Creative imagery and visualization of solutions.
  • Seeking support from groups or friends.
  • Engaging in relaxation activities.
  • Creating a structured, calming environment.
  • Time management skills.
  • Proper nutrition and self-care practices.

• Additional methods for stress relief:

  • Spiritual growth through prayer and meditation.
  • Pursuing hobbies and leisurely activities.
  • Enjoying social interactions, like movie nights with friends.
  • Taking peaceful walks with family.
  • Assessing the realism of stressors and believing in self-capability.

Mental Health and Well-Being

• Mental Health Definition: Encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
• Involves the ability to perform mental functions that support productivity and relationships while adapting to adversity.

Concepts of Mental Health (WHO)

• Subjective Well-being: Personal evaluations of one’s mental state.
• Perceived Self-Efficacy: Confidence in one’s ability to succeed.
• Autonomy: Independence in thoughts and actions.
• Competence: Skills and capabilities relative to tasks.
• Intergenerational Dependence: Relationships impacting mental well-being across generations.
• Self-actualization: Realization of individual potential and emotional growth.

Common Challenges of Adolescence

• Attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.
• Academic pressures.
• Group belongingness and social dynamics.
• Health and nutrition concerns.
• Self-esteem development.
• Role definitions in society.
• Financial issues, such as material poverty.
• Parental expectations, including those related to absences from abroad.
• Career choices and personal beliefs.

Filipino Adolescent Heroes

• Gregorio del Pilar: Youngest General in the Filipino revolutionary forces; joined at age 20.
• Edgar Jopson: Valedictorian and member of the underground movement for societal change.
• Efren Peñaflorida: Founded the Dynamic Teen Company at age 16 to engage youth positively; awarded CNN Hero of the Year in 2009.

Nature of Stress

• Stress is a reaction of mind and body to disturbing stimuli.
• Can be categorized as a stimulus, response, or relational phenomenon affecting overall well-being.