Stress, Anxiety & Coping
Dec 8, 2010 | By
Alia Butler
Stress
and anxiety are two reactions to life that can lead to both positive and
negative results. It is important to remember that both stress and anxiety have
positive evolutionary aspects, yet they have come to negatively impact people's
lives today on a regular basis through stressful activities, such as working in
high-pressure jobs. However, coping skills can be used to temper the impacts of
stress and anxiety.
Stress
Stress
is an adaptive and lifesaving reaction. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is
the body's reaction to a threat---the protective mechanism that turns on our
fight-or-flight response. This response enables you to focus and maintain
alertness, but if this response is continually triggered by such things as
small daily hassles that occur one after the other, the evolutionary stress
response can become harmful.
Too Much Stress
Understanding
how stress affects you will better prepare you to implement solutions. High
amounts of stress can lead to larger and longer-lasting health problems, such
as decreased life span and risks associated with cardiovascular disease, as
reported by the Mayo Clinic. Some people function well in high-stress,
challenging situations, while others are stressed by the smallest problems. It
is these differences that make it important for individuals to know their
stress-tolerance levels in order to maintain emotional balance in their lives
and avoid being overly stressed as a result of actions that could put their
mental health in danger.
Coping With Stress
When
initiating techniques to cope with your stress, choose techniques that fit your
lifestyle, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling or socializing with
friends. Do not take on every responsibility that presents itself. Anxiety can
develop because you are overwhelmed by all the things you have agreed to do;
learn to say no to people who request your participation, attendance or help
with something. Don't be afraid to turn others down in order to take care of
yourself. They'll get over it, but you may not be so fortunate. Learn to adapt
to your stressors, to accept the things you cannot change and to make time for
yourself each day.
Anxiety
Anxiety
is slightly different from stress because it develops from constant worry,
according to HelpGuide.org. General, everyday anxiety comes from the inability
to deal with uncertainty and from the belief that you have no control over your
life circumstances. Anxiety can develop into a mental health disorder, such as
generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, but day-to-day low levels of
anxiety are normal.
Too Much Anxiety
People
with constant levels of anxiety may be experiencing generalized anxiety
disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with generalized anxiety
disorder feel anxious more days than not and are unable to remember the last
time they felt calm, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. They are unable to
pinpoint the reason for their anxiety. If anxiety is significantly impacting
your everyday life, then a mental health professional should be consulted.
Coping With Anxiety
Five
ways to cope with anxiety include the following: learn to relax; accept
uncertainty; live a healthy, balanced lifestyle; ward off negative thoughts;
and postpone worrying. If anxiety becomes too significant, a visit to the
therapist may be the best way to cope. The Mayo Clinic supports the use of
treatment to cope with anxiety. Therapy sessions should be maintained, and if
medication is warranted by a physician, then it should be taken with
consistency. Also, you can join anxiety support groups because it is important
to avoid isolating yourself and instead interact with those who understand your
experience.
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