Stress
Stress is an unavoidable fact of life. Certain stress is actually helpful because it keeps you on your toes - alert, safe, energized, and motivated. Stress can motivate you to accomplish a task or help you psych up for an important event. But too much stress on your mind and body can make you miserable, worried, sad, distressed, and ill.
Some Common Questions
How can I help someone who’s under a lot of stress?
Being an understanding, non-judgmental listener is a great help. Try not to offer advice unless specifically asked. If the problem persists you may wish to suggest a visit to a doctor, member of the clergy, or therapist.
Are some people more likely to be bothered by stress?
Some people seem less able to cope well. Often this is a learned behaviour, thus it can be unlearned and replaced with healthier ways of coping.
If stress is so common, why get concerned about it?
Because it can make you miserable and it’s hard on the people around you. If untreated it can disrupt your normal daily life and lead to fits of anxiety, depression, and physical ailments.
Can stress and the problems it creates be cured?
Prompt, correct treatment can help most people troubled by stress return to a sense of normalcy. Stress and tension can’t be eliminated, but we can learn to cope with it when we are faced with a stressful situation.
What are the causes of stress?
One of the main causes of stress is change - especially sudden or disagreeable change. While change is normal and to be expected, too many or too drastic changes often result in tension. Excess tension can result in anxiety and depression.
Some examples of
anxiety and depressive producing situations are:
- High expectations for yourself or others
- Personal loss such as death, separation, or divorce
- Job changes like trouble at work, getting fired, or taking a new job
- Money problems
- An unexpected major illness or accidental injury
- Family changes such as pregnancy, family responsibilities, or birth
- Time pressures with too many things to do and not enough time to do them.
What are the signs of stress?
- inability to slow down or relax
- cold hands and/or feet
- extreme moodiness
- memory blank
- feeling overwhelmed - even with simple tasks
- overly worried - even about simple things
- feeling out of control
- headaches
Take Steps to Reduce Your Stress
- The first step in solving a problem is recognizing it exists.
- See your doctor and ask for a medical work-up. Be honest and don’t minimize.
- Specifically identify the stressors in your life, no matter how trivial they may seem, and learn to manage those that you have control over.
- Lean to relax. Just a few minutes of peace and quiet every day can make a big difference.
- Be realistic with yourself and your situation.
- Plan your work. Tension and anxiety really build up when your work seems endless. Plan your work to use time and energy more efficiently.
- Exercise regularly.
- Develop a support system so you can talk about your tensions.
- Eat properly and regularly. Maintain a balanced diet and skip junk food. Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
- Take time to be involved with activities that you find stimulating.
- Develop positive self-talk and a positive attitude.
Where can I go for help?
Your family doctor is a key helping person. Your employer or school counsellor can refer you to an agency or therapist that can help. Most companies have an EFAP Program so ask for a contact number or brochure. There are many provincial and local mental health associations. These are excellent sources for aid, advice or references. They can refer you to community services available to your under your health plan.
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References
- Berger, K.S. (1992). The developing person through childhood and adolescence. New York: Worth.
- Combrinck-Graham, L. (1995). Children in families at risk: Maintaining the connections. New York: Guilford.
- Hallahan, D.P. & Kauffman, J.M. (1991). Exceptional children. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
- Lamanna, M.A. & Riedmann, A. (2000). Marriages and families: Making choices and facing change. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.