What is stress when you are 12 or 14 years old?
When you are 12 years old, what is stress for you? And does the
definition of stress change when you are 14 or 16 years of age? If the
definition of stress that one has when he/she is 12 or 16 years old is
not accurate, what are the consequences of this?
Discovering
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Children experience a significant increase in stress hormone levels when they are preparing to enter, or have recently entered, secondary school.
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In scientific research, there are many studies that show that
children and teenagers can have significant stress in their life and
that this stress can increase their vulnerability to mental health
disorders later in life. Other studies from the scientists of the
Centre for Studies on Human Stress showed that the transition from
elementary to high school is a major stressor in the life of teenagers.
Consequently, the Centre has created the DeStress for Success program
that aims at educating children and teenagers from 12 to 16 years of age
about stress.
This project aims to be stimulating, interactive and fun in order to
de-emphasize the negative view of stress. It aims to inform children and
adolescents about the effects of stress on the body and to train them
to listen to the signs that their body sends them in order to be able to
prevent and to cope with stress.
The DeStress for Success Program has been developed in close collaboration with school nurses, social workers and teachers.
The program is build around five workshops that offers interactive and stimulating activities.
Youth share their views of the Program.
Workshop presenters share their experience
Watch the video - Prevent stress at 12 years old - Le Code Chastenay, Télé-Québec (sept 2009) (French only)
Learn more...
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A situation is only stressful if you interpret it as being stressful. For a situation to be stressful you must feel it comprises Novelty, Unpredictability, a Threat to your Ego, and leaves you with a poor Sense of Control, N.U.T.S. How do we cope with stress?
For a sneak peak at stress in children and DeStress for Success program, read Mammoth Magazine first issue.
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