Helping overcome stress
The end of the year celebrations can be fun, but they can also be stressful for families, including students. Dallas ISD Mental Health Services has resources that team members can use to identify stress among young people and help them deal with it.
Stress is the way the body naturally responds when faced with challenges, or when nervous, anxious, or under pressure, said Deborah Purge, a licensed mental health clinician with the district. Examples of these stressful times might be needing to complete a science project or taking a math exam and feeling unprepared. Stress can help motivate an individual to work harder and faster, but too much stress can negatively affect mood, health, and how that person interacts with others around them.
Signs of stress:
Some signs of stress might include symptoms such as head and stomach aches, unexplained pain without being ill, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, recent nightmares, and changes in appetite. A student suffering from stress might appear irritable, nervous, anxious, fretful, tearful, and clingy with little interest in activities previously enjoyed. If changes in behavior among young people are observed it might suggest that the student is experiencing a challenging time and needs help to better deal with the situation, Purge said.
Stress management techniques:
- Relaxation Techniques / Physical Activities:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Belly Breathing and Butterfly Breathing Exercise
- Muscle Relaxation: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique
- Mindfulness Meditation: The Beach – Guided Imagery for Relaxation; Video 2
- Meditation and Yoga: Yoga Video
- Grounding Exercises: Video
- Exercise: Walking, running, jogging, dancing, stretching, playing sports, etc.
- Creative Activities: Drawing, coloring, painting, journaling, listening to or making music.
- Connect with nature: Be sure to spend time outdoors to soak up some sun and explore nature.
- Develop Healthy Habits:
- Good Sleep Routine: Go to bed on time and get at least 8-10 hours. of sleep.
- Nutrition: Make sure to eat healthy meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Allow enough time to complete tasks and assignments.
- Practicing good self-care will bring awareness to physical and emotional needs.
- Positive Affirmations: Positive thoughts or statements that help when feeling stressed.
Share where to get help:
- Parents / caregiver / trusted family member
- Trusted adults at school (teachers, nurses, principals, etc.)
- School counselor on the campuses
- Mental Health Services (MHS): Ask parents to reach out to MHS for additional support
References:
Relaxation Techniques for Kids
Stress in Childhood
