Surviving Stress: Managing the Stress in Your LifeBy: Melissa Harkey, MSN, PMHNP, SRHS Behavioral Health Services Stress is a normal occurrence that often arises when you perceive a situation as threatening or when you are dealing with an unusually large number of everyday responsibilities. “Good” stress, such as getting married, having a baby or starting a new job, can be beneficial when the amount is moderate and not ongoing. This stress is a balance of excitement and relaxation that helps focus. But, “bad” stress, from a death, disease or disaster, can cause physical body changes that are not healthy. This stress may affect our thinking patterns, leading to irrational thinking and negative behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, or physical violence. Stress doesn't just go away. Instead, it goes to work inside the body. The longer it's there, the more likely it is to produce physical and psychological illness. The latest research shows that stress can cause damage to the brain, joints, digestive and immune systems and to your heart. The aim of stress management is to help you balance the various aspects of your life—your work, your relationships and your leisure—and to balance the physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of life. What can you do to reduce stress? If you feel that you are suffering from stress, it is important to first identify the aspects of your life that are causing it. Sometimes you may not be able to change or avoid them, but at other times simple lifestyle adjustments can make all the difference. These healthy habits can also help you deal with stress:
Just remember that stress management does not always come easily. It takes time and practice to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. When should you seek professional help for your stress? It’s time to seek professional help if you:
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