At some point in our lives, most Australians will feel the effects of stress. Stress is when you feel under pressure and think you do not have the resources to cope. It is a very common feeling among people from all walks of life, including children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. A little bit of stress can actually be healthy and can help us deal with challenging situations. But if stress is ongoing, or not dealt with effectively, it can cause many problems.
When we are under stress our bodies go into overdrive to deal with it. Our blood pressure goes up and our muscles become tense. This can result in direct physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and high blood pressure. It can also lead to psychological and emotional problems, like low self esteem, avoiding people and feeling depressed, anxious, irritable or angry.
Warning Signs
Signs that you might be experiencing stress*:
Physical
Headaches
Indigestion
Rapid weight gain or loss
Tiredness |
Mental
Indecision
Loss of concentration
Bad dreams
Less sensitive |
Emotional
Irritable/Suspicious
Feeling depressed
Feeling nervous or anxious
Reduced self esteem |
Behavioural
Unsociable
Restless
Loss of appetite or overeating
Disturbed sleep |
*Source: Mental Health Association NSW, Stress Kit
It is virtually impossible to remove stress from your life altogether. However there are ways that you can manage the stress that does occur.
Tips for Stress Relief:
- Stay active - Going for a jog or a gym session can help you burn off some of the pent up energy you feel.
- Watch what you eat - Make sure you don't over or under eat because of your stress. Don't rely on caffeine or alcohol to get you through as this could make matters worse.
- Unwind - Practice breathing exercises to help you relax, or take up a yoga or meditation course.
- Pick your battles - Try to avoid situations where arguments might arise and put unnecessary strain on your relationships; but remember, don't bury your head in the sand about the real issues.
- Sleep tight - Make sure you get lots of rest, and try and keep to your usual sleep habits.
- Talk talk talk - If the feelings of stress are ongoing, or getting worse, talk to someone. Sharing your problem can help you get your head around it and think about it in realistic terms.
This article is based on information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW and the Mental Health Association Victoria. For more information on dealing with stress, contact Mental Health Association NSW, www.mentalhealth.asn.au or Mental Health Foundation Victoria, www.mentalhealthvic.org.au