Stress

Stress is a natural physical and mental response to life experiences. Everyone expresses stress from time to time. Anything from everyday responsibilities like work and family to serious life events such as a new diagnosis, war, or the death of a loved one can trigger stress. For immediate, short-term situations, stress can be beneficial to your health. It can help you cope with potentially serious situations. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates and ready your muscles to respond.

Stress affects both the mind and body. Common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms:

• Headaches
• Muscle tension or pain
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Change in sex drive
• Stomach upset
• Sleep problems

Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Lack of motivation or focus
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritability or anger
• Sadness or depression

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Overeating or undereating
• Angry outbursts
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Tobacco use
• Social withdrawal
• Exercising less often

Many different things can cause stress — from physical (such as fear of something dangerous) to emotional (such as worry over your family or job). Identifying what may be causing your stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with your stress.

Common external causes of stress:

• Major life changes
• Work or school
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family

Common internal causes of stress:

• Pessimism
• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations
• Perfectionism
• All-or-nothing attitude

When stress becomes chronic, it can negatively affect your health, contributing to:

• Mental Health Problems: Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke.
• Obesity and Eating Disorders
• Menstrual Problems
• Sexual Dysfunction: Such as impotence and premature ejaculation in men and loss of sexual desire in both men and women.
• Skin and Hair Problems: Acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and permanent hair loss.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Such as GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon.

Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. Here are some strategies to help you manage stress:

• Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
• Time Management: Prioritize your tasks and delegate when possible. Break projects into small steps.
• Connect with Others: Spend time with friends and family who provide support and positive influence.
• Therapy: Talking with a professional can help you develop effective stress management techniques.

At True Peace Recovery, we offer intensive outpatient care (IOP) designed to help individuals manage stress effectively. Our program includes personalized therapy sessions, stress management workshops, and holistic approaches such as mindfulness and wellness activities. We are dedicated to helping you find true peace and recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of stress, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.

Location: True Peace Recovery, Weymouth, Massachusetts 02188
Phone: 774-204-5654
Email: info@truepeacerecovery.com