We all get it – increased heart rate, clenched fists, grinding of the teeth and headaches – the feeling that it’s all getting a bit much. Maybe it’s got something to do with all those exams looming, not that far away... or lots of course work that’s been piling up and you haven’t quite got around to doing it. …or you’re more on less on top of your work, but everything’s got a bit much for you lately…

Signs of Stress

Signs of stress:
There are many different things that can help us to recognise when we or somebody we know is feeling stressed. It is important to recognise that these symptoms may also have other causes and that it is important to talk to someone to get to the root of the problem.

Some signs of stress are:
- irritability
- headaches
- stomach aches
- illness
- insomnia
- tiredness/lethargy (feeling like you have no energy/motivation to do anything)
- feeling numb (having no emotions apart from occasional outbursts of anger or sadness)
- eating more or less than usual
- DRUGS? – Smoking, drinking alcohol/coffee, taking painkillers?
- Behaviour that is ‘out of character’
- an inability to relax

Causes Of Stress

Stress is a very broad term, it can be caused by many different things and it has many different affects. Everybody reacts differently to the problems they face in their lives, so while one person may find something new and exciting, another may find the same thing daunting and stressful.

Some causes of stress are:
- too much work
- exams
- pressure to do well
- problems at home (like arguments and divorce)
- change (like moving house or changing school)
- difficult relationships (like being bullied or not getting on well with a teacher)

How Stress Affects Our Body

When we face a challenging situation our bodies’ release two stress hormones (chemicals) called cortisone and adrenaline. These hormones prepare our bodies to respond to something that might hurt us; this is sometimes called the ‘fight or flight’ response. The hormones speed up out hearts, increase our blood pressure and get our muscles ready to work so that if necessary we could deal with the situation (fight) or run away (flight).

Often we don’t respond to challenges in this way, it might be because we don’t know how or because it would be inappropriate. Stress hormones may then build up which can result in tense muscles and anxiety. This can then cause the headaches, stomach aches and other illnesses associated with stress as well as the changes in the way we behave.

What Can I Do About It?

If any of this sounds familiar to you, or you’re just feeling a little wound up and stressed out lately, take a look at our top ten tips to de-stress yourself…

- Don't worry about things you can't control, or things that may never happen.
- Prepare to the best of your ability in advance for events you know may be stressful, like exams or a job interview.
- Talk to friends, family or Streetwise Project workers about your problems.
- Set realistic and attainable goals at school and in your social life.
- Eat well-balanced meals, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
- If it all gets too much, take deep breaths, punch a pillow, scream or kick a can, rather than take it out on those close to you.
- Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself if you slip up.
- Take one thing at a time.
- Think positive thoughts.
- And above all, make time for fun; laughter really is the best medicine…

Laughter combats stress by:
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Reducing the levels of the hormones that make you feel stressed.
- Clearing out your lungs and exercising your heart.
- Improving your immune system which helps to keep you well.
- Making you feel happy instead of stressed!

Supporting Others - A Parents Role

It is important for your children and teenagers to feel that they have someone close to them who is willing to sit and listen to their worries and stresses.

 How can parents support their children's emotional wellbeing?

* Be available:  Make sure that you have some time each day to spend with your children to see how their day was and show interest in what they are doing.

* Practice Listening: Sit and listen to your children when they talk to you, sometimes it can be difficult for them to open up. Children/teens tend to act out and engage in negative behaviour as they do not know how to express themselves verbally. Be as open to listening and being there for them as possible. It is important not to interrupt your child/teen when they are talking, let them know you are supporting them. Let them say as much as they want for as long as they want and if you can,  give some sensitive advice afterwards.

* Be content with Silence: Do not push your child/teen to speak with you, sometimes it is just being with them that can help them de-stress.

* Get Active: Organise to go out and do something fun. The more your child/teen is enjoying themselves and relaxing, the less worries they will have. It is important for them to be able to relax and enjoy fun activities like playing sports and meeting up with friends.

Be there for your children, listen with an open ear. Offer practical assistance, if it is with homework, friend issues or school.