Stress Impact Infographic

What Is Chronic Stress?

Chronic stress occurs when your body’s stress response remains activated over a long period—days, weeks, or even years. While a little stress helps you handle challenges, chronic stress keeps your system running in overdrive, leading to a host of health problems.

Physical Impacts

• Headaches and Migraines
• Muscle Tension & Pain
• High Blood Pressure
• Weakened Immune System
• Digestive Issues (stomachaches, cramps)

Mental & Emotional Impacts

• Anxiety and Excessive Worry
• Irritability or Mood Swings
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Depression or Persistent Low Mood
• Sleep Disturbances (insomnia, restless sleep)

Why It Matters

1. Prolonged physical symptoms can increase your risk for serious illnesses, such as heart disease and ulcers.
2. Mental health struggles may worsen, affecting school performance and relationships.
3. Recognizing these warning signs is the first step toward healthier coping strategies and long-term well-being.

Learn to spot these impacts early and practice self-care techniques to keep stress from becoming a hidden health thief.

Case Study Scenarios

In these three brief scenarios, work in small groups (3–4 students) to answer the questions for each situation. Be prepared to share one finding per group with the class.

Scenario 1: The Overloaded Test-Taker

Alex has three major tests coming up in the same week: algebra, biology, and English. To keep up, Alex stays up late every night, often gets headaches, and finds it hard to focus during class. Alex feels anxious at the thought of each test and becomes irritable with friends and family.

Questions:

1. What is the main stressor in Alex’s situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which physical warning signs does Alex show?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Which mental or emotional warning signs are present?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If Alex’s stress continues, what potential health outcomes could develop?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Suggest one healthy coping strategy Alex could try.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Balancing Work and Family

Sam works 15 hours a week at a local café and also helps care for a younger sibling at home. After school and work, Sam feels exhausted, experiences stomachaches before shifts, and has difficulty completing homework on time. Sam notices feeling constantly on edge and sometimes snaps at friends without meaning to.

Questions:

1. Identify the main stressor(s) for Sam.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What physical warning signs does Sam experience?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What mental or emotional warning signs does Sam display?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What long-term health issues might arise if this level of stress persists?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Propose one healthy coping strategy Sam could use.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Social Pressure and Bullying

Jordan is being teased by classmates online and in the hallway. Jordan feels anxious about going to school each day, experiences tense shoulders and tight chest in the mornings, and often isolates self during lunch. Jordan also reports feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Questions:

1. What is the primary stressor Jordan faces?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which physical warning signs are mentioned?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Which mental or emotional warning signs appear?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If Jordan’s situation doesn’t improve, what health risks could develop over time?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Recommend one healthy coping strategy or resource Jordan could access.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection Worksheet

Part 1: Your Personal Stress Reflection

1. Describe a recent situation where you felt stressed. What was the trigger, and how did it make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Identify at least two physical warning signs you experienced during that stress (headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, etc.).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Identify at least two mental or emotional warning signs you noticed (anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, etc.).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Coping Strategies Action Plan

4. Choose three healthy coping strategies from today’s lesson or your own ideas. For each strategy below, write:
   a) The strategy name
   b) How you will use it when you notice your warning signs.

Strategy 1:
Name: ____________________________________________________





How I will use it:

Strategy 2:
Name: ____________________________________________________





How I will use it:

Strategy 3:
Name: ____________________________________________________





How I will use it:

Part 3: Commitment and Next Steps

5. How will you integrate these coping strategies into your daily or weekly routine? Set one specific, measurable goal (e.g., “I will practice deep breathing for 5 minutes each morning”).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Bonus: List one person (friend, family member, counselor) or resource (club, website, app) you can reach out to if you need additional support.