Empowered Choices for Health & Wellness: Navigating Stress & Substance Misuse

Navigating Health and Wellness Through Empowered Choices Tools for Navigating Stress and Substance Misuse Grades 9 10 Oregon Department of Education

Essential Questions How does stress influence decision-making? What strategies can help me manage stress and make healthier decisions? How do substance use and misuse impact individuals, relationships and communities? 2

Learning Goals I can analyze how stress and emotional factors influence decision-making. I can identify at least two strategies for managing stress and improving well-being. I can name the short- and long- term impacts of substance use on mental and physical health and relationships. 3

What do you find stressful? Take 5 minutes to reflect on this question individually. You may reflect in the way that best suits your learning style, including writing, drawing or another creative format. 4

How do you respond to stress? Take 2 minutes to add to your list. You may reflect in the way that best suits your learning style, including writing, drawing or another creative format. 5

What is stress? Stress is a natural response to challenges and pressures in life. It can be caused by external and internal factors that vary from person to person. External stressors come from your environment. Internal stressors are based on your thoughts, emotions and coping mechanisms. 6

Internal and External Stressors Environmental Social and relational Biological and physical Financial and economic Major life challenges Cultural and societal Psychological and emotional 7

Positive Stress (Eustress) vs. Negative Stress (Distress) Positive Stress or Eustress Short-term Can be motivating, performance-improving and positive in the long run Negative Stress or Distress Short-term or long-term Can feel unmanageable, isolating and impactful on other areas of life, leading to anxiety Can have long-term effects on your body Sleep changes Physical changes Behaviors or personality changes Eating impacts Daily task performance Examples: Participating in sports, taking on a new leadership position, watching a scary movie, preparing for an interview or going on an airplane Examples: Worrying about finances or experiencing family conflicts or grief 8

Partner Work Take 5 minutes to fill out Question 1 of your classroom handout. How does stress impact someone s ability to make decisions? After 5 minutes, we will come together as a class to capture our thinking. 9

Why does someone use substances? Health and medical needs Mental health needs Experimentation Social Influences or pressures Self-medication What are some other reasons that you can think of that someone may use substances? 10

Research the Impact of Substance Use on Mental and Physical Health In small groups, you will be given a substance to research. As you research, you will look for the answers to the following questions: What are the short- and long-term physical impacts of the substance? What are the short- and long-term mental impacts of the substance? What are the short- and long-term effects of the substance on personal relationships? Choose a substance from the Drug Policy Alliance or the National Institute on Drug Abuse to research. Capture your answers on a slide or poster chart paper. Be prepared to share your findings with the whole class. 11

Class Discussion What are common characteristics and facts on the impact of substances on the body, mental health and personal relationships? How do these substances impact mental and physical health? Why would someone begin using these substances? 12

Coping With Stress and Making Informed Decisions Strategies that you can use and share with others: Reading Watching a movie Talking with a trusted adult, coach or therapist Journaling Talking with a friend Listening to music Going on a walk Exercising Gardening Painting Sleeping Meditating or deep breathing 13

Mind Mapping Use your handout to map different stressors that you may be experiencing (academic pressure, relationships or social media). For each stressor, create two branches in the following categories: Short-term coping strategies (playing video games, talking to a friend, taking a break) Long-term strategies (exercising regularly, developing time management skills, seeking therapy) After 5 minutes, talk with your partner about your strategies. 14

Partner Share Talk to a partner about the different short- term and long-term strategies that you came up. Consider the following questions: Are there additional strategies you could add to your own map? Why might we sometimes choose a short- term strategy over a long-term strategy? How can understanding the reasons help us make more intentional choices? What barriers can get in the way of using these strategies? How could you mitigate those barriers? 15

Key Takeaways Stress is a natural part of life and can be caused by external and internal factors. Stress can affect our decision-making, including choices about substance use or misuse. Individuals use substances for different reasons, including coping with stress. Substance misuse can impact physical health, mental well-being and social relationships. There are many strategies to manage stress, and it s important to have more than one coping strategy. While we can t control others' choices, we can control our actions and responses. By setting boundaries, making decisions that reflect our values and sharing support and resources, we can empower others to make informed choices for themselves. 16

Resources School Resources For substance misuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. [insert school resources that align with your context] Other Resources The Scientific Power of Meditation Mindfulness: Youth Voices Nemours TeensHealth: Stress and Dealing with Stress Guided Meditation If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, call or text 988. 17