We can become stressed when we are unable to cope with loss or grief, solve a problem or deal effectively with new challenges. ‘Stress’ means the physical and mental changes that occur in response to a change.

Many people find that examinations, starting at a new school and family and relationship problems cause a lot of stress. When the body is stressed it will change to adjust to the demands placed upon it. This is known as the ‘fight or flight’ response; it means that the body is preparing for a crisis. This preparation can be recognisable from several changes in the body: 

• heart rate and blood pressure increases

• hormones such as adrenalin are released

• the mind becomes very alert

• the mouth can become dry

• digestion slows down

• the body is ready for action.

Protective strategies are essential to ensure that young people can cope with a variety of challenges.

For example, when you are in a stressful situation, it can help if you can see some humour in it. Laughing can defuse a situation, help you relax and enable you to look at things from a different perspective.

Seeking help can mean talking to another person about something that is worrying us. It can also mean finding a person or organisation outside your school that can provide expert help in regard to a particular issue. 

For example, psychologists, teachers, sports coaches and youth clubs all provide different types of help or support.

There are many situations where we may need to seek help. Some will be important but not serious, and others could influence the rest of our lives.

Over the next few years you may find that you need support about a number of issues. An example of a situation in which you may need support and some of the people who may give you that support is shown in the image below.