Parent Alert April 2025

Different Types of Stress

Stress is a word we typically associate with negative events or feelings. This association has taught many of us that all stress is bad, but some stress can have a positive impact on our lives. Eustress is a positive form of stress that can motivate us and enhance our performance. It pushes us to grow, adapt, and achieve goals. Eustress can be created by:

Playing sports
Riding a roller coaster or thrill ride
Getting married
Exercising strenuously
Starting a business
Studying for a school exam
Giving a speech
Traveling to a different country
Learning a new skill

Distress is the negative form of stress that we typically associate with the word stress. This stress can occur when life’s challenges become too overwhelming and exceed our ability to cope. It can make us feel drained, anxious, hopeless, and irritable. There are also physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. Distress can be caused by:

Grieving the loss of family or friends
Getting a divorce
Financial problems
Chronic injury or illness
Experiencing a traumatic event
Physical or emotional abuse
Coping with addiction
Mental health issues

How people experience stress can be determined by a variety of factors including financial resources, social support, and practicing healthy coping skills. We can reduce the impact of distress by promoting eustress. Here are some ideas:

Practicing self-care
Learn what your stressors are
Eat right and follow healthy sleeping habits
Ask for help if you need it

Please check out the links below to learn more.

Resources

MedicalNewsToday – Eustress vs. distress: What is the difference?
Oro House Recovery Center – Eustress vs Distress: Examples and Effects

April 2025 Awareness

Wayne County Coalitions strives to observe the many different awareness events throughout the year that focus on mental health, substance use prevention, and other important topics. Please click on the links to learn more.

Alcohol Awareness Month: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) had this to say about April being Alcohol Awareness Month; “Alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. Researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, more than 200 disease and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol misuse.”

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center shared that this year’s theme is Together We Act, United We Change. This theme places an emphasis on communities working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025
RAINN – About Sexual Assault

National Child Abuse Prevention Month: This awareness campaign aims to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Child Welfare Information Gateway – National Child Abuse Prevention Month
SARCC – Child Abuse Prevention Month

Autism Acceptance Month: April serves as an opportunity to promote the inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of society, including education, employment, and community involvement. By encouraging the understanding and acceptance of autism, we can work towards creating a more inclusive world for autistic people.

CDC – Autism Partner Toolkit

Stress Awareness Month: Stress is something that we all experience and it’s important to take the time to acknowledge it and do something to reduce it. Stress can impact multiple aspects of our lives, including health, work performance, and even financial wellness.

VeryWellMind – 18 Effective Stress Relief Strategies

Thank you for being a vital member of our community!

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