Stress is a common response to changes or challenges we face in life. It’s a feeling everyone experiences, although some people manage it more effectively than others. However, when stress persists for an extended period, it can have adverse effects on health.
Types of Stress
There are two main types of stress:
- Acute stress: This is short-term stress triggered by sudden situations like unexpected driving stops, slamming on the brakes while driving arguments with your partner, thrilling activities, or encountering new experiences.
- Chronic stress: A stress that lasts longer, often caused by ongoing issues such as financial troubles, unhappy marriage, or work-related problems, stretching over weeks or months.
What are Stress Symptoms?
Minor Symptoms of stress can be early warning signs that your stress levels may be getting out of hand and that you may need help finding ways to reduce stress in your life.
Sleep Changes:
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Feeling tired without a good reason
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Trouble sleeping
Emotional Signs:
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Anxiety
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Anger
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Depression
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Helplessness
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Out of control
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Tense
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Easily Irritated
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Inpatient
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Forgetful
Behavioral responses:
- Speaking and eating very fast
- Drinking alcohol, eating, or smoking to calm down
- Rushing around, but not able to get much done
- Working too much
- Delaying doing the things that need to be done
- Trying to do too many things at once
Causes of stress?
Having a “Type A” personality that causes you to constantly rush, be angry, hostile, or competitive can foster stress. Various factors can contribute to stress, such as family matters, work pressures, relationships, money problems, or health concerns. Personal traits and habits can also foster stress. Every individual reacts differently to stress, necessitating tailored stress reduction strategies. A poll by the American Psychological Association in 2007 found that one-third of people in the U.S. report feeling extreme levels of stress. Once in a while, people polled reported feeling high levels of stress 15 or more days per month.
Preventing Stress
Medicines are helpful for many things, but usually not for stress. Any medication you take will only address symptoms of stress, not the source. Camouflaging symptoms with medication may deprive you of the signals you need, prompting you to reduce the strain on your physiological and psychological systems caused by stress. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and stress management is far better. Treatment focuses on identifying the sources of stress in your life and finding ways to avoid them or reduce their impact. Some components of treatment may include cognitive behavioral modification, assertiveness training, time management, and minimizing and replacing habits and traits causing stress. Sessions may also include muscle relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing. Reducing feelings of helplessness and providing a sense of control over problems through therapy can help to lessen the amount of stress in your life. Being able to control stress is a learned behavior, stress can be effectively managed by taking small steps toward changing unhealthy behaviors. Stress management sessions can last 10-12 weeks or longer.
Factors that can help to prevent stress:
- Proper diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulants
- Taking time to relax
- Exercise
- Talking with friends and family
Understanding “Stress Management?”
This term is widely used and applies to many different circumstances, depending on the individual. For one person, stress management may entail their responses to their family members at home; for another, it might refer to the way they deal with responsibilities at work. Whatever the personal meaning,. Several key concepts are integral to this particular work. Dr. Niloo Dardashti is trained in a variety of stress management approaches that she uses for training within the workplace and on a personal level with individuals.
Typically this includes:
- examining and identifying situations that lead to stressful circumstances
- become aware of triggering automatic thoughts and emotions that give rise to the stress response
- recognizing negative/faulty belief systems and thought patterns and learning how to change one's perception to be more in line with reality
- learning the physiological cues that can prompt one to de-escalate
- developing an effective plan to deal with stressors that typically lead to undesired outcomes
- learning mindfulness skills - a technique that is evidence-based for several stress-related issues - both physical and psychological
- learning breath work and relaxation techniques that can alter heart rate and stress hormones, thus decreasing tension, irritation, stress, and anger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to change or challenges. It can be short-term (acute) from sudden events or long-term (chronic) from ongoing issues like financial problems, work stress, or relationship difficulties.
How does Stress impact daily life?
Stress is a natural reaction, but prolonged stress can lead to emotional symptoms like anxiety, anger, and depression. It can also affect one's sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall behavior.
Can Stress result in Anger Issues?
Yes, often stress manifests as anger. When stress becomes chronic, it can lead to irritability, impatience, and difficulty controlling emotions, resulting in increased anger.
What causes Stress?
Stress can stem from various sources such as work, financial issues, health problems, relationships, or personality traits like being overly competitive or rushing constantly. It varies from person to person.
How can stress management techniques help with Anger Issues?
Techniques such as identifying stress triggers, recognizing negative thought patterns, altering perceptions, and learning relaxation practices help manage stress, consequently alleviating anger.
How Does Stress Affect Mental health?
Chronic stress can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It impacts cognitive function, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and decision-making challenges.
How Can Stress Management Techniques Improve Overall Well-Being?
Implementing stress management techniques not only reduces stress-related anger but also enhances emotional resilience, Promotes better sleep, and fosters a more positive outlook on life.
