9.MEH.1

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

**9.MEH.1.1 Identify the body’s physical and psychological responses to stressful situations and positive coping mechanisms.**
Stress can be defined as the body and mind’s response to everyday demands or threats. This stress can be positive or negative, real or imagined. Regardless of the source or the type of stress, the body goes through a patterned response. G.A.S., or General Adaptation Syndrome (also known as the “fight or flight” response) includes three stages that the body goes through in response to stress. Stage 1 is the Alarm stage which begins when the hormone adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. Some of the physiological responses include increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension and dilated pupils. Stage 2 is the Resistance stage when the body is trying to recover from the stressor, or return to normal. If the stressor is prolonged, the body enters Stage 3, or the Exhaustion stage, in which the body’s defenses become worn down. Physical and/or emotional diseases can develop. Some of these “stress-related diseases” include cardiovascular disease, cancer, skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Stress is a normal part of life. In coping with stress, it is wise for individuals to distinguish between the stressors that they can control and those that they have no control over. A young person cannot control a rainstorm that cancels a baseball game or the death of a grandparent. They can, however, take some control over the types of stressors that they may encounter on an everyday basis, like not being prepared for a math test or being late to school. Taking control and directing one’s energy towards those things that are within one’s power to change is often the first part of coping with stress in a positive way. Better time management, relaxation techniques, daily physical activity, and better preparation for the challenges ahead are positive methods of coping with stress. Those who do not recognize the importance of positive coping mechanisms may instead turn to negative behaviors to escape their stress, such as alcohol and drug abuse, overeating, oversleeping, or acts of violence.
 * The student will recognize own physical, psychological and emotional responses to stress.
 * The student will distinguish between stressors that are within one’s control and those that are not.
 * The student will practice positive coping mechanisms in dealing with stress and avoid those behaviors, which will adversely affect physical and emotional health.

**9.MEH.1.2 Plan effective methods to deal with anxiety.**
Anxiety is also a normal part of life. It is normal to worry about a sick relative or feel anxious about a job interview. Many people, however, cannot function normally in their jobs, their relationships, and in their daily lives because they find that they cannot cope with their anxiety. A healthy person can recognize and cope with their anxiety before they become disabled by it. For those struggling to cope with their anxiety, it may be necessary for them to change their thinking. When stress and anxiety levels rise, one may resort to negative thinking and say to themselves, “I can’t handle this” or “Why do things like this always happen to me?” With these negative thoughts, success is almost impossible. By changing one’s negative thoughts to positive ones, such as “I can do this,” young people can improve their self-confidence and come to believe that they can handle a tough situation. It is also important to find the humor in a stressful situation and keep the situation in the proper perspective. Taking care of oneself and building a support system are also effective methods of dealing with anxiety. Taking action and getting the things done that need to get done will empower a person to take charge of their anxiety as they work to eliminate it. During times of high stress and anxiety, it can also help to stick to a routine.
 * The student will be able to recognize possible situations and events that may cause anxiety.
 * The student will be able to practice healthy methods of dealing with anxiety.