One of the most common mental health issues in America today is stress. We all feel it from time to time. Whether it’s caused by deadlines and demands at work or a busy home life, stress can have profound effects on how we interact with our colleagues, co-workers and loved ones. It can even impact how we think about ourselves.
As bad a rap as stress has gotten, it’s important to realize that not all stress is bad. In fact, back when humans were running and hiding from predators, stress caused us to run faster, focus more intently and think more creatively. It was a huge factor in the survival of our ancestors.
But a looming deadline at work isn’t the same as running from a hungry saber-tooth tiger. Once our ancestors escaped the tigers, their stress levels returned to normal. Today, stress helps us meet deadlines, achieve goals, get things done and work creatively. But high stress levels day after day can make us sick, both mentally and physically. The key is balancing and managing stress.
Symptoms of Stress
Everyone reacts to stress differently. A major life event in one woman’s life may be nothing more than a bump in the road in another’s. Situations some find invigorating can reduce others to a puddle of goo. For this reason, people need to pay attention to their own bodies, to recognize the symptoms of stress:
Chest pain, rapid heart rate
Digestive upset, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea
Changes in appetite – eating too much, eating too little, lack of interest in food
Trouble sleeping
Frequent colds and infections
Headaches
Fatigue
Mood swings
Depression and/or loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Poor sleep habits, poor diet and life changes – either good or bad – not only makes us more vulnerable to stress, they magnify its effects. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments, often worsen when someone is under stress.
Stress can worsen preexisting mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and biopolar disorder.
Managing Stress
Many articles and books have been written on how to best manage stress. People employ a variety of strategies, small and large, to help them cope. Here are some strategies that can be helpful:
Getting eight to nine hours of sleep every night
Eating a well-balanced diet
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week
Spending time outdoors – hiking, walking, gardening
Focusing on spiritual issues, whether it’s prayer, meditation or other forms of spirituality
Hobbies, like woodworking, sewing, coloring and so on
Organizing to eliminate last-minute chaos
Learning to say “no” to things
Deep breathing. There are many smart phone apps that can help you develop the habit and technique of deep breathing, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Try one!
Developing and maintaining a strong network of friends and family
Listening to music
Artistic pursuits, such as painting, photography, drawing, etc.
Purposeful daydreaming
Stress in Kids
As adults, we often think the life of a child is carefree, without the stress of paying bills, going to work or maintaining a home. But kids can experience – and struggle with – stress too. Just like adults, kids need unstructured time to relax, unwind and play. Even things kids enjoy – batting practice, basketball games, birthday parties and music lessons – can contribute to their stress.
Family situations can also cause stress. When talking about finances, illness or other subjects that might be upsetting to your children, be sure to choose your words carefully. Remind kids that you are here for them and that your family has successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Problems happen but how they are handled teaches children how to build coping skills.
It’s not always easy to recognize stress in children. Look for behavioral changes, such as acting out, mood swings and sleeping more, or less, than usual. Kids may regress to a prior level of development, wetting the bed, sucking their thumbs or clinging to a parent. Nightmares, bullying others and withdrawal may also signal stress. Some kids show their stress physically, with stomach aches, headaches and other illnesses. Academic performance may also decline.
You can help children reduce stress in children. Here are several ways;
Make sure they get enough rest
Include free and play time in their schedules
Make sure your expectations for academic/athletic performance are reasonable and achievable
Be available to talk
Enjoy nutritious family meals at home
Let kids know it’s OK to feel anger, frustration, loneliness or anxiety
Reassure them and make sure they know you are there for them
Getting Help
Most of the time, children come through stress quite well with the support of their parents, relatives and friends. While it can be hard to see a child going through it, stress is an opportunity to develop coping skills they will need later in life.
As parents, it’s usually sufficient to observe, be supportive, offer stories about our own experiences and provide guidance. If symptoms or behavioral issues persist or worsen; if the issue is causing significant issues at home or school; if academic performance is affected; or if the child begins expressing troubling thoughts or ideas, it’s time to seek the help of a mental health professional. Reach out to New Vista anytime, day or night at 1.800.928.8000.
