what is STRESS?

By definition, stress is a pressure, a force, or a strain placed on something. Stress is caused by how we respond to certain events in our lives, not by the events themselves. Each individual may respond differently to the same event.

Some stress is inescapable. Avoidance is a responsive defense mechanism to stress, and trying to avoid stress will in turn create more.

Not all stress can and needs to be controlled. We need positive, high-energy stress to keep us going. We need to learn to control that negative emotional and physical stress that can be harmful.

False perceptions are often stress producing. Find out all the facts before you get “stressed out” over a situation.

Stress could arise from:

• Having a long, important meeting the night before a major exam
• Juggling multiple priorities as a student, like classes, work, activities, relationships, family
• Being away from your family support network and finding a new one
• Having a reputation as an outstanding student or leader
• Leaving your security behind and heading out into the “real world”