Stress

About Stress

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress has only one single benefit which has been endowed to us by evolution – when in extreme danger and one’s life is at risk our minds react in short burst releasing adrenaline and make us do incredible things which often saves our lives. However, if stressed is experienced by a person longer than they should and the have difficulty coping with stress, then it could harm their health and cause a cascade of other related problems. The psychosomatic nature of stress made The American Institute of Stress labeled it as “the leading health problem in America.”

Types of Stress

1. Acute Stress – this type of stress is only experienced momentarily and then it dissipates almost immediately as it erupted. You experience acute stress when you ride a roller coaster, have a shouting match with your siblings/parents/boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband, do bungee jumping from a 200-foot bridge or cliff, or when you are chased by a junkyard dog. Acute stress is normal and everyone experiences it at least once in their lives.

2. Chronic Stress – this kind of stress is deadly as it can affect you both mentally and physically. You feel this type of stress when you have financial troubles, your marriage or relationship isn’t working, you’re under performing at work or your boss favors another employee and threatens to fire you. The problem with chronic stress is that it stays with you for months or even years and it can undermine your health very badly.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

Stress affects people on different levels and show physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. A person suffering from chronic stress would often space out or be absent-minded, sad and forcing a smile to avoid being awkward among friends or family, and have trouble concentrating which affects his/her work. Without stress management counseling, the person’s condition will only get worse. Below is a list of observable symptoms that a stressed out person displays.

On the physical level:

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Stomach aches

• Body pain

• Acne or breakouts

• Digestive issues

On the mental level:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Food and eating issues

• Addictions and/or compulsions

• Substance abuse

• Suicidal

On the emotional level:

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Anger

• Apathy

• Easily gets overwhelmed by emotions (mood swings)

Getting Help

If you are suffering from chronic stress or you know someone who is, then it’s very important to get stress therapy right away, because if that person is left untreated, then it’s either they’ll die from health complications or suicide. You can get quick online counseling from us MyWholeHealth.com and discuss your problems with our professional counselors to get to the heart of the matter immediately and address it. We’ll also give you tips and ideas for stress management activities that will help you take your mind off of the things that’s causing the stress in you. Our counselor’s prime goal is to reduce stress that you feel and eventually expel it from your mind, heart and body in order to make you whole again.

Other Treatments for Stress

The first thing that people suffering from chronic stress or rather succumb to is unhealthy coping mechanisms for stress, which may include excessive alcohol intake, smoking, self-pity, drugs, gambling, shopping and self-harm (suicide). This doesn’t solve the problem and what you need to do is seek professional help and counseling, then ask for stress management strategies to get out of the dumps. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to heal from chronic stress. Mindfulness is a Buddhist meditation technique and focuses on paying attention to the present moment, rather than worrying about past or future events.

You must also learn to forgive and forget the past, accept what you cannot change and move on. Identifying your triggers would also be helpful; however, you may need a stress counselor or therapist to help you find them in order to stop them. Get enough sleep and get your health back by eating the right kinds of food as well as visit the gym often and exercise. Signing up for stress therapy is just one piece of the puzzle and you’ll also have to do your part as well.