So…
we have defined what stress is and shown you the positive outcomes of stressful
situations. Now let’s be real, not all of us can commit to only positive
reactions to stress. We quite often allow our circumstances to get the better
of us. Not so?
Do
you know, by allowing this, stress can lead to a lot of negative long term effects,
that if not dealt with can lead to mental issues?
I
firmly believe that as Trinidadians, we don’t take the side effects of stress
seriously. Us “Trinis” believe that if we seek help for an issue like
counselling, we are considered mad. Not so? Well it`s better to “look” mad in
the eyes of others than to be clinically diagnosed as a mental patient.
So
let me show you just a few side effects of stress if left unaddressed:
o
Depression
o
Abuse
of alcohol and other illegal substances
o
Suicide
o
Crime
and Violence
o
Heart
attacks
o
Strokes
o
Erectile
dysfunctions, Headaches, fainting, anxiety attacks
o
Insomnia
(not the party! A sleeping disorder)
o
Obesity,
Anorexia, fatigue
o
Low
self-esteem
o
Relationship/
Marital Issues
o
Isolation
o
Social
withdrawal
Believe
now that stress can be detrimental to your well-being?
Ok
well let’s look at some coping mechanisms for stress.
1.
Aromatherapy-
this involves the use of various oils that
is said to foster psychological well-being. (Click the following link to see
the types and benefits of aromatherapy https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/wharoma.asp
)
2.
Exercise
- Exercise on a regular basis helps to turn down
the production of stress hormones and associated neurochemicals. In fact,
studies have found that exercise is a potent antidepressant, anxiolytic (combats anxiety), and sleeping aid for many
people.
3.
Time
management- is basically the
ability to plan and control how the hours in your life are spent. Through
effective time management, one can not only accomplish all their tasks set out,
but also set aside time for leisure, which reduces stress.
4.
Support
networks - as the name implies, this basically means having support groups. This can either be peer groups, chess clubs, dance groups, movie groups, etc. This would be based on persons that share common interest, this way when stressed, having support or persons to enjoy the stuff you love with, helps reduce the stress.
5. Writing
– whilst verbally expressing one`s feelings is one of the best ways to treat
depression, some person`s may be uncomfortable sharing their issues. Especially
introverts, and persons who suffer from severe trauma. Psychologists have
proven that writing not only expresses one`s feelings/ repressed thoughts, but
it also helps conceptualize and understand certain things that may be puzzling
and causing stress.
So you are saying rush to the bar (time management and exercise) meet up with your friends and have a few. Would that help or not? Because that's what most of us does...
ReplyDeleteLol leisure can include going to the bar with friends. However, one needs to be cognizant of the fact of drinking too much, as this can lead to substance abuse, which is another topic. However, being with friends, should pose as a monitoring and control mechanism, as opposed to drinking alone.
DeleteStress is such a serious topic and battle. Thx for the share
ReplyDeleteWe all experience stress at some point or the other. So even if we dont admit it openly, at least the techniques highlighted can influence persons to try the self-coping strategies
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