Dealing with stress

Unfortunately stress is a daily encounter for most people, especially with our fast paced lives and financial worries.

Stress in small doses can be a positive thing, which allows us to focus and get tasks done that require our attention. However, the way in which we manage stress is usual where the issues occur. If managed poorly or if our stresses overwhelm us or are prolonged, it can really affect an individual’s mental health/wellbeing. The first step in managing stress is to identify how it affects us and why.

What is stress?

Stress is a hormonal response to the feeling of threat or pressure. When we feel stressed, our body releases adrenaline that is meant to act as a boost or to motivate us. When stress is prolonged, it can affect mood, relationships and our body, this often leads to feelings of ‘loss of control’, irritability, anxiousness and low self-esteem.

Anyone experiencing long-term stress or severe stress will general experience ‘burnout’ (physical, mental and emotional exhaustion).

Signs and symptoms of stress

Mentally and emotionally:

·         Being irritable

·         Angry

·         Tearful

·         Worried

·         Anxious

·         Scared

·         Difficulty making decisions

·         Racing thoughts

·         Feeling overwhelmed

Physical:

·         Stomach problems

·         Stress related headaches

·         Random aches and pains

·         Skin reactions (Hives or stress rash)

·         Dizziness

·         Nausea

·         Fainting

In some cases, stress can caused chest pains and high blood pressure, however, these symptoms should go once your stress have been alleviated.

Stress can also create behavioural changes, especially in regards to eating/exercising too much or too little, using recreational substances such as alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, to ease our feelings and finally it can cause us to avoid people and things we once enjoyed.

What causes stress?

The causes of stress are different for every person and the levels of stress an individual can withstand is also different from person to person. The feeling of stress usually occurs when we feel we do not have the correct resources or materials to deal with challenges we face.

Possible causes of stress can be:

·         Pressure at work, school or home

·         Illness of you or someone close to you

·         Difficult or unexpected life events

·         Our genes

·         Upbringing and experiences as children/adults

·         Personal problems e.g. relationship issues

·         Moving house

·         Pregnancy, having a baby or parenting

·         Money problems

·         Loneliness of feeling unsupported

Tips on managing stress

·         Self-help techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can do this through reading guided literature or using a counsellor/therapist to aid you. This can help you manage your stress by working through your challenges in slightly different ways and by building resilience.

·         Positive thinking can help alleviate stress. You can practice this by thinking of 3 good things in your life and 3 things you are thankful (these things can be big or small)

·         Talking to trusted, friends, family or colleagues can help you get feelings off of your chest and ‘lighten the load’. If you do not have someone you can confide in, there are helplines you can call to speak to someone over the phone

·         Splitting up big tasks into manageable chunks can make things feel less overwhelming. This involves breaking down one task into several small ones and giving yourself credit once a task has been completed.

·         Being more active can release endorphins (the feel-good hormone), but also it can help to burn off nervous energy, which as a result, can aid in the feeling of being less stressed

·         Planning ahead can allow you to manage upcoming stressful days/events. This could be creating a route planner, a to-do list and making a note of everything you may need

Whatever your stresses are and why they occur, there are plenty of places to receive support if you are feeling you need the extra help.

The Natural Healing Centre in Witham has practitioners who specialise in natural ways of healing including; counselling, massage, acupuncture and homeopathy. For more information visit their website www.natural-healing-centre.com

There also books on mental wellbeing and helplines such as the Samaritans, NHS 111, your GP, the Mental Health Foundation, Stress Management Society and Time to change.