What is Stress?
Stress is a regular part of life that everyone experiences. It is a natural response to threatening or dangerous situations and situations of perceived danger. When you are stressed, your body’s natural response is both physical and mental. Your body’s response increases awareness and other abilities to keep you safe. When in danger, this is exactly what you want. However, when you experience stress regularly and suffer from the lingering symptoms it is an unpleasant and unhealthy lifestyle.
Stress is not an illness, but when a person is in a constant state of stress, it increases the risk of serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Stress also causes changes in the body that when left unchecked, can cause your nervous system to have issues regulating the function of your internal organs including the heart & stomach. Stress is a full body and mind event because your body is in the “flight-or-flight” mode which increases heart rate, breathing, and short-term memory. In temporary situations, these survival instincts come in handy when a person is in danger or even when they are speaking in public. Extended periods of stress can have a negative effect.
Symptoms of Stress
Common signs that your body is exhausting its “fight-or-flight” resources include:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Anxiety
- hopelessness and depressed
- Panic attacks
- Lack in self-confidence
- Unable to make decisions
- Uncaring attitude towards family and responsibilities
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- insomnia
- Change in sexual drive
- Social withdrawal
- Substance abuse
- Reduced levels of performance and productivity
Causes of Stress
While our ancestors developed the systems for stress to help them stay safe and avoid danger, our bodies react to other situations like during major life changes, changes to our environment, and even after not having enough sleep.
Stress can even be caused by worrying thoughts about a situation. For example, in situations where you don’t have control over a decision, or when you have an important decision to make. It can also occur when you are a victim of discrimination, hate, or abuse.
If you are stressed for a long period of time and have practiced healthy stress management habits with no progress, it is time to look for professional assistance. A trained and experienced professional can provide remedies for your situation and lifestyle. PBC Psychiatry has provided hundreds of patients with the skills and resources to deal with their stress in a healthy and productive way. Having a method of stress relief that is maintainable is the only ensure your health.
Treatment for Stress
Stress treatment or stress management is the process of noticing and uncovering the triggers that cause worry and anxiety in your life. By identifying your triggers, you can develop methods to deal with the situation or manage the stress around the situation. Your mental health depends on finding the correct method and practicing it regularly. Here are some common solutions that have helped many patients.
- Regular Exercise. Exercising regularly allows your body to produce stress-relieving hormones that can provide stress relief and improve physical and mental health. The rush of these hormones is often referred to as the “runner’s high”.
- Finding Support. Having a support system and reaching out to friends, family, and healthcare professionals helps to process your thoughts and emotions. Finding your sources of support is a tremendous step in helping you fight long-term stress.
- Healthy Diet. Eating a healthy diet can ensure that your body has all the stress-fighting nutrients it needs to handle day-to-day events. It also prevents exhaustion and gives you the energy to handle stressful situations. Practicing mindfulness while eating is also an excellent form of meditation while enjoying your favorite meals.
Professional treatment of stress follows the same pattern of identification and response. With an experienced professional like Dr. Cawkwell on your team, you provide yourself with the best support system and opportunity to fight stress. Treatment with a professional may include therapy, medication, and other lifestyle changes. If you are a California, Oregon, and New York resident, contact Dr. Cawkwell to find out more about how you can begin your stress-relief journey with a virtual consultation.
