Stress can be a contributory cause to many conditions experienced by society today Some of these issues are widely known but others may come as
a surprise and we examine five as well as two coping mechanisms that we hope will help.
Depression and anxiety.
It is absolutely no surprise that stress is related to
depression and anxiety. Stressful relationships, either at home or in the
workplace will create the likelihood that sufferers will develop depression
and, or anxiety, more so than those people who are less stressed.
Headaches.
It is widely recognised that stress is one of the most common
causes of chronic migraines and tension headaches. Both are debilitating
conditions and add to the likelihood of depression and anxiety developing.
Diabetes.
Stress can create unhealthy habits such as comfort eating and
excess alcohol intake. In extreme cases, such habits if not brought under
control can lead to obesity and diabetic conditions.
Heart conditions.
It is widely believed that stress contributes to heart
problems brought on by high blood pressure. This, coupled with bad habits such
as excess eating, drinking, and possibly smoking, will all contribute to the
risk of heart attacks. Early death.
Research has indicated that people under a great deal of
stress are over 60% more likely to die at a younger age than those who are less
stressed.
So what can we do?
We have written before on the subject of stress management
and refer you to those articles below this one. In short, there is no easy fix.
It takes effort and time to battle stress but here are two tips that work for
many people.
Deep Breathing.
Deep breathing for several minutes at moments of high anxiety
can relieve the situation to a degree. If suffering from a panic attack, one technique
is to use a small paper bag and breathe into it filling up the bag completely
when exhaling, then another deep breath and fill the bag again. Do this until
the feelings pass.
This is a widely used technique, not only for panic
attacks but for more general stress relief during the day, several minutes of
deep breathing four times a day can produce positive results over a period of
time.
Avoid Catastrophising by using Perspective.
If suffering from stress and feeling low many people have the
tendency to catastrophise. For example; is this headache a brain tumour? Is
that twinge in the chest a heart attack? Is that nasty cough A symptom of
something far worse?
Many people do this and if it happens have this conversation with
yourself:“What’s the worst thing that could happen to
me?“.
Answer
“well, I could die.“
“Yes of course you could put has this feeling
happened before?”
Answer
“yes, it has!"
“And are you still alive?“
Answer
“Yes I am!"
“Well then just console yourself with the fact
that the feeling, however unpleasant and frightening, will pass."
Please be aware that we would always encourage anyone
suffering from a stress related condition to seek professional medical advice.
Good
luck!
Mayfair,
we care.