” Coping with stress is an integral part of the natural fabric of life. From birth to death stress is the inevitable accompaniment of human existence and, in moderate amounts, may be essential for effective functioning.”
Spielberger 1979
“Adversity maketh a strange bedfellow, but sweet.”
Shakespeare.
Please visit a doctor.
https://111.nhs.uk/
Aspects of stress.
1. Stress is an individual thing.
2. Stress can produce better and increased coping mechanisms.
3. Stress is a fact of life.
4. Stress can develop skills and abilities that we otherwise would not have.
5. Stress may have a disabling component to it.
Maladaptive.
There is a psychosomatic component to stress.
(Gk – psyche – mind; soma – body) Below is a list of symptoms that maybe maladaptive.
• Hypertension.
• Peptic ulceration.
• Coronary heart disease.
• Skin diseases. Such as Eczema.
Symptoms.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Lying awake worrying about tomorrow.
• Feeling guilty when relaxing.
• Irritated if not on the go .
• Feeling impatient or irritable.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Increased alcohol, eating, smoking.
• Feelings of tensions – neck, shoulders, head.
• Physical symptoms. This may include butterflies, dry mouth, sweaty palms, thumping heart, tension headaches.
• Constant tiredness.
When does stress become a problem?
When the levels of stress exceed the capacity to cope, thus overwhelming the individual.
The individual does not have the skills or knowledge to manage the changing circumstances.
Changing life events are likely to increase stress level such as bereavement, divorce, marriage, moving house.
Managing Stress.
• Understand more about stress.
• Recognise what your stresses are.
• Recognise and accept your own feelings.
• Use a problem-solving approach.
• Be assertive.
• Manage your time effectively.
• Avoid putting things off.
• Establish and make good use of social support networks.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Use relaxation techniques.
• Make time for leisure interests and hobbies.
• Plan breaks.
• Plan tasks in order of priority.