Managing stress

Research suggests that a moderate amount of pressure can be positive, making us more alert, helping to keep us motivated, and making us perform better. However too much pressure, or prolonged pressure, can cause stress which can lead to physical and emotional problems.

Research has shown that around 12 million adults see their GP with mental health problems each year. Most of these have anxiety and depression, much of it stress-related.

Emotional changes

When you are stressed you may experience many different feelings, including anxiety, fear, anger, frustration and depression. These feelings can themselves produce physical symptoms, making you feel even worse.

Extreme anxiety can cause giddiness, heart palpitations, headaches or stomach disorders. Many of these symptoms may make you feel so unwell that you then worry that you have some serious physical conditions such as heart disease or cancer, making you even more stressed.

Behavioural changes

When you are stressed you may behave differently. For example, you may become withdrawn, indecisive or inflexible. You may not be able to sleep properly. You may be irritable or tearful all the time, and even if you were previously mild-mannered you may suddenly become verbally or physically aggressive.

Causes

All sorts of situations can cause stress. The most common involve work, money matters and relationships with partners, children or other family members. Stress may be caused either by major upheavals and life events such as divorce, unemployment, moving house and bereavement, or by a series of minor irritations such as feeling undervalued at school or dealing with difficult people. Sometimes there are no obvious causes.

Some people seem to suffer from stress more than other people. Psychologists call these people 'type A'. Type A people tend to be impatient, driving and sometimes aggressive. They also seem to suffer a higher than average incidence of heart attacks. People who abuse alcohol or drugs are also more likely to suffer from stress.

Treatment

Do not be afraid to seek professional help if you feel that you are no longer able to manage things on your own. Many people feel reluctant to seek help as they feel that it is an admission of failure. This is not true and it is important to get help as soon as possible so you can begin to get better.

The first person to approach is your GP. He or she should be able to advise about treatment and may refer you to another local professional such as a counsellor.

Treatment can involve talking your problems through with someone trained to deal with stress conditions and may also mean the use of medication for a short period. There are also a number of voluntary organisations which can help you to tackle the causes of stress and advise you about ways to get better.

Your shout!

What are your expereinces of stress? Share your thoughts by posting a comment using the link below.