understanding our stress & anxiety

In both good times and bad, most people may feel stressed or anxious in some aspect of their lives.

STRESS: a response to a threat, situation, person, or interaction.

ANXIETY: a reaction to the stress; more long-term, and chronic.

Anxiety is different and more serious than stress, which is adaptive and can be protective. Stress before a test or a big game helps our body and mind focus and perform, for example. However, untreated anxiety or persistent stress can be debilitating (learn more here).

Remember:

→ Anxiety is common. Nearly 1 in 3 young adults experiences it.

→ Both anxiety and stress are treatable.

cope with stress by trying:

Physical Activity

Breathing Exercises

Adequate sleep

Setting Boundaries

Connecting with Others

Celebrating Small Successes

Checking off simple tasks

Creating your own self-care list

Feeling stressed or anxious?

take some time to refocus

Watch the video below and internalize the mantra to help manage stress and anxiety.

take some time to breathe

Follow the guide below for meaningful deep breathing to help manage stress and anxiety.

Sleep plays a huge role in how we feel and can contribute to feeling stressed or anxious.

try these tips:

Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Turn off all electronics at least two hours before bedtime.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants in the afternoon.

Create an optimal sleeping space that is comfortable, dark, cool, and free of distractions (avoid TV or screens in bed).

Follow a routine before you go to bed (i.e. reading, meditating, stretching, or breathing).

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you still persistently sleep too little or too much.

 

For anxiety or persistent stress, it may be time to seek professional help.

It can feel scary or difficult to seek help for the first time. If you feel that way, start by opening up to a trusted friend. Ask them to sit with you while you make an appointment. Get answers to your questions about anxiety and learn actionable tips and tools here.

Check out our daily reminder checklist & see if you can find ways to integrate it into your routine.

 

additional resources

when it’s more than a bad day

spread awareness about stress & anxiety

check in on someone using V-A-R

hotlines

Text “Brave” to 741-741 to the Crisis Text Line or call/text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both provide free, 24/7 support.

referral resources

get help cards

Four postcard-sized, takeaway cards with helpful messages of support and suggested resource.

download