Stress

Stress can be good or bad, be long lasting or brief. It is a fact of life. For example, getting ready for the prom, competing in a sports competition, or starting at a new school can all produce a relatively brief bout of stress although this is generally considered a “positive” stressor. A “negative” stressor may be associated with the death of a loved one or worries about school grades. Some stress however, is long lasting and just doesn’t seem to go away.

• Managing Your Stress

• Warning Signs of Too Much Stress

• For More Information

Managing Your Stress

Why learn to manage stress? If stress is not controlled it can lead to physical illness, trouble controlling one’s emotions, inability to think clearly, and overall an inability to enjoy life.

In almost all cases, stress is can be managed just by doing some simple and fun techniques.

Simply talk about it: Talk to your parents, friends, clergy, a teacher or counselor.

Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, physical exercise, journal writing, singing and dancing are just a few techniques.

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Warning Signs of Too Much Stress

(Adopted from “What is Stress?” UConn Health Center, Depression Education and Health Promotion Project)

• Feeling angry lots of the time, or at lots of people. Blowing up over the littlest things.

• Having headaches or stomachaches regularly. Or being sick off-and-on for quite a while.

• Having trouble sleeping. Or feeling tired all the time.

• Crying over seemingly small disappointments or problems.

• Feeling discouraged about lots of different areas of life.

• Feeling unable to stop worrying or thinking about problems.

• Feeling lonely-but still turning down friends’ invitations.

• Having friends or family tell you you’re “moody” or “not yourself” lately.

• Not having any fun these days-feeling that you just don’t care about things anymore.

• Having difficulty concentrating. Or having trouble thinking through or handling situation.

Speak with an adult you trust if you feel that you may be experiencing depression or know someone who is. Help is always available.

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For More Information

Depression Education and Health Promotion Project
UConn Health Center
860-679-4135

Depression Fact Sheets (English and Spanish)

Department of Psychiatry
UConn Health Center

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