Stress

It's been one of them days!!!

Though we may go about our everyday lives in different ways, we all have one thing in common, and that's stress. Whether it's the stress of work, family, finances, or personal success or fulfillment, stress can lead to other, more serious physical and mental health problems.
Most recently, we are all sharing in the fallout of the current economic downturn, which the American Psychological Association has identified as a major source of stress for all Americans. But mental health experts urge us not to despair. When challenges arise, whether the result of current events, a job loss, or family issues, “there are a whole variety of simple, yet healthy ways of coping and moving forward,” says Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School.
Stress and Mental Health: Coping Strategies

Here are some tips from mental health experts for coping with the challenging everyday issues arising in these turbulent times:

Plan ahead. Lay out a strategy for what you would do if you were laid off or if you found you couldn’t pay your mortgage or other bills. “It’s always better to have a plan,” says Edward M. Hallowell, MD, author of Connecting/Worry in the Workplace, and CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap! and founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury, Mass. “Even if the plan doesn’t work, it makes you feel more in control. The worst kind of stress is when you feel you have no control. Having a plan to deal with whatever the issue is makes you feel less vulnerable.”

Talk it out. Never worry alone, Dr. Hallowell says. “Hold onto your human connections. Stay in touch with your friends and family. Stay in touch with the people you can confide in and brainstorm solutions for your troubles with them.” Becoming isolated will only make matters worse, he says. Najavits adds that joining support groups, either online or in person, may help you focus on what you can do about your situation and see what has worked for others.

Get a reality check. Make sure you get all the facts, Hallowell says. Very often, peoples’ worries are based on misinformation or rumors and gossip. You may be worrying over nothing. Go to the source and get the information you need to make solid decisions.

Live a healthy lifestyle. Many people drown their sorrows in food or unhealthy behaviors such as drinking or smoking. Some people lose sleep when they’re distraught, Hallowell says, but it is important to get enough sleep. Eating right and getting regular physical exercise can go a long way in relieving daily stress, Najavits agrees.

Reflect on your situation. In addition to talking with others, look within, Najavits says. “Try to get a sense of what’s behind your feelings. If you’re feeling angry, hopeless, panicky, or anxious, ask yourself, ‘How did I get here?’ Own up to what you did and what you had no control over. If you figure out what got you where you are, you can begin to look forward and figure out what to do next.”

Find faith. Studies have shown that daily prayer and/or meditation can be major stress reducers, Hallowell says.

Seek out professionals. If it’s money matters that have you up nights, you may need the advice of credit counselors or financial planners. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, you might want to speak to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can help you through your difficult time.
Many people are feeling stressed by the news of the day and the challenges of modern life. But you can prevent family and workplace stresses from taking their toll on you if you follow simple, yet healthy ways of coping. Most importantly, communicate with those who can help you.

I've been one that's been helped, They helped me through my difficult times.And have given me back the ability to function.

Thanks,Alexis xoxox