Teaching Suicide Awareness and Prevention 2019

SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MODULE 2018
HANDOUT 8: REDUCING STRESS
Learn to control stress by:
1. Being aware of stressful situations in your life
2. Taking steps to reduce the causes of harmful stress
3. Finding stress-reducing techniques that you enjoy and stick with it
Techniques to reduce stress:
1. Set realistic goals and manage your time wisely.
2. Keep a journal to express your feelings Write a letter, poem or song, draw,
paint.
3. Use positive self-talk. You are your own best friend!
4. Reach out and talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
5. Be good to yourself! Eat right, get enough sleep, exercise, take a break, do
the things that you enjoy.
6. Find ways to "let off steam". Listen to music, take a walk, play a sport.
7. Learn relaxation methods. Go to a quiet place alone, close your eyes and
imagine yourself at a peaceful place....
8. Identify the sources of stress (make a list) and remind yourself that stress is
a result of how you react to things, not the things themselves. You may not
be able to control what happens, but you can control how you react or
respond.
9. Laugh! See a funny movie or spend time with someone who can make you
laugh.
10. Crying can be as good a release as laughing. Listen to sad music, watch a sad
movie, write about a sad experience - release pent up emotions.
11. Reading a good book is a great escape.
12. Do something you love!
Add your own stress reducers to the list
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Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland Publications Limited