Stress takes its toll

I would like to share this with you..

In a time when stress levels are growing and work-related worries are at an all-time high, an increasing number of people need help managing their anxiety.

But trying to find help, local officials said, isn't always a simple task.

While there are options for people who need a mental health break, they often come with a cost and strict guidelines for enrollment.

Michael McCartan, executive director of St. Clair County Community Health, said his agency has received an increased number of calls in recent months looking for help. In many cases, he said, his staff is forced to refer those people elsewhere.

"With the funding situation and criteria for eligibility to qualify for programs so rigid, unless people are at risk of hospitalization, there aren't that many programs out there for anybody," McCartan said. "One of the great tragedies is that the programs are least available to people who need the services the most."

Laura Kenny, a therapist and licensed master social worker at Port Huron Hospital, agreed resources can be limited but said there are options for people who need a breather.

Those options range from living in the moment to eating healthy and perhaps even enjoying the calming influences of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River.

Greg Warsinski, 41, of Port Huron knows the effects of work-related stress all too well.

He was laid off from an auto supplier two months ago and watched higher-ups get laid off before that.

Warsinski said he has been trying to stay positive.

"I find my favorite music and listen to it," Warsinski said. "I try to avoid all negativity. If people are talking negative, I just walk away. It's not worth it."

Looking for a job is stressful enough, he said. When he applies for a job, Warsinski said he is competing against hundreds of people.

"I am always fighting depression," Warsinski said.

The stresses of the auto industry have forced Amy Balogh, 25, of Port Huron to look for a job in another field.

The independent contractor is used to being without an everyday job but is looking for something more stable.

How do you handle stress

 

I would like to share with you on how to deal and cope with stresses. I believe everyone has the  power to overcome the stresses and lead a happier life

Dealing with stress can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, including depression. Significant stress can often cause headaches, stomachaches and other physical symptoms, as well as numerous emotional symptoms such as crying, anger and anxiety. Significant stress can lead to depression. If you find that you are dealing with periods of sadness that affect your ability to function, you may be suffering with depression. You don't have to go through it alone. It's OK to ask for help.

 

Step1

Recognize the symptoms. Knowing the symptoms of stress and depression can help you better understand what you are feeling. Anxiety, fatigue, irritability and frustration are all indications you are under significant stress. While stress is a natural reaction to daily stressors, significant stress can often lead to depression. Feelings of worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns and thoughts of suicide are all recognizable symptoms of depression.

Step2

Ask for help. If you are under significant stress, it can lead to depression if you don't get help. If you are overwhelmed with work or family issues, recruit some help so you are not doing it all alone. For instance, calling a friend to baby-sit for a few hours so you can get some rest is better than trying to manage it all and becoming ill or depressed.

Step3

Prioritize your life. It may seem that everything is high priority, but that probably isn't always the case. Spend time making a realistic schedule that organizes the many tasks you need to complete. Take a realistic look at what has to get done, and work on those things first.

Step4

Take it easy. Don't beat yourself up when you are having a hard time coping or feeling like you can't handle it all. Add in some things that help you relax like taking a walk, enjoying a bubble bath or getting a massage so that you ensure you are meeting your emotional and physical needs.

Step5

Don't be afraid to seek professional help. Many times, depression can become unbearable, and you may be unable to manage your emotions on your own. Finding a therapist for counseling and a psychiatrist for a medical evaluation to explore the possibility of medication to treat your depression may be necessary. Sometimes a professional can help you gain the perspective you need to develop a healthy schedule and coping mechanisms.

How to Overcome Axiety Due to Stress

We must love our body. So don't too carried away with your stress. Health is certainly the key to happiness

Stress causes more than mental anguish. It can also affect your health. This article will discuss how stress can be managed and controlled.

Everyone feels stress occasionally. What’s interesting is that everybody perceives or responds to stress differently. The feelings of stress originate from our flight or fight responses.Our bodies secrete hormones, when a perceived shock or threat has occurred. These hormones increase blood pressure, the heart rate and blood sugar to allow us to move faster to survive that threat. Mental clarity is usually impaired and sacrificed at this time. Unfortunately, in today’s world, most people experience stress when encountering unexpected events or changes when mental clarity is required, as opposed to life-threatening circumstances. How the stress is managed, will determine how it will effect that individual long term.
Symptoms

When stress is experienced it can manifest in certain ways. Stress can cause back pain, headaches, TMJ, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight gain or loss and stomach upset. Psychologically, symptoms could include anxiety, depression, insomnia and relationship problems.

If stress is prolonged more serious health problems can arise. The National Institute of Health cites that exposure to stress can lead to behavioral problems resulting in substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, over or under eating, and smoking. Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic confirm that long-term exposure to stress can cause heart disease as well. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure for long periods of time can thicken arterial walls. As stress continues and the heart demands oxygenated blood, these thickened arterial walls may prevent adequate blood flow needed to feed the heart, resulting in a heart attack. Stress, also damages the immune system and autoimmune responses in our body. This can result in increased cold frequency as well as worsening or causing other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Management

Management needs to be tailor made for the individual. However, generally speaking, the following are some suggestions by the American Academy of Family Physicians to reduce stress. Exercising on a regular basis is one of the main stress reducing activities. Exercise makes the individual use pent-up energy and tension, focusing the nervous energy into a constructive activity. Deep breathing, stretching and meditation are other ways that can help. Deep breathing allows more oxygen to enter the blood system, while stretching also relieves aching, tense muscles. Meditation is a form of hypnotic or guided thinking that can ease anxiety.

Other suggestions are to partake in activities that are non-stressful and induce relaxation. These can include social activities, sports and hobbies. Not worrying over things out of our control, preparation for events viewed as stressful ahead of time, looking at things positively as a challenge instead of a threat, resolving conflicts with others and setting realistic goals are other suggestions. Seeking the advice of friends or family or psychological counseling, may also be advisable.

Read more: "Stress Management: How to Handle Anxiety" - http://phobiasanxiety.suite101.com/article.cfm/stress_management#ixzz0DSq4v3C5&A