Stress–who doesn’t have it? It is beyond cliché to say that stress is endemic in American life–it’s a truism. We hear it so often that it has lost its meaning. Stress is often defined as the body’s response to the demands of life. Stress really includes the mind and emotions as well. Stress is the internal, conditioned reaction of a person to perceived external pressures. Stress is experienced as thoughts and feelings, as well as physical processes.
Causes of High Stress Levels
Stress can be caused by almost anything, from being late or hungry to stubbing one’s toe or losing a million dollar contract. Stress may be caused by both positive and negative life experiences. Some of the more common, highly stressful events in life include:
- Losing one’s job
- Getting divorced or going through a breakup
- Getting married
- Being discriminated against
- Having a child
- Moving
- Getting a promotion or raise
- The death of a family member
- A diagnosis of serious illness
Since these events are often normal parts of the life cycle, it is clear stress is a normal part of life. But how much is too much?
Health and Psychological Issues Caused by Stress:
Few people will deny being stressed at least once in their lifetime, but for many, stress can be ongoing and unbearable. Chronic stress can contribute to a myriad of mental health and physical health issues. Research has linked high stress levels to:
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Reduced or increased appetite
- Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol
- Diminished physical health
- Decreased productivity and enjoyment at work
- Decreased intimacy
- Migraine headaches and other physical complaints
- Depression
- Ulcer, heart attack, stroke
How Therapy Can Help with Stress
Yes, stress is a normal part of life. Without it, our lives would be dreary and dull, and we would never really know what we are capable of. But when the stress of life leads to drug abuse, chronic physical ailments or pain, an absence of pleasure or relaxation in life, lost sleep, lost weight, or other significant changes for the worse, it is likely time to seek help. Some people may avoid asking for help, believing that in our modern, rapid-paced culture, “handling it all” on one’s own is a must. But in fact, everyone needs some assistance in managing stress at times. Soldiers, astronauts, politicians, actors, athletes, teachers and yes, even therapists–just about anyone you can think of–all seek a listening ear, some sage advice, aid with a difficult task or decision, or an opportunity for a little R&R if they are feeling overstressed.
Some will also seek a therapist. Traditional psychotherapy stopped short of teaching stress management skills directly, but today, most therapists know a few good stress reducers and can help you learn them relatively quickly. Since stress affects body, mind, and emotions, reducing stress can occur on these levels as well. For example:
To read the entire article, go to www.goodtherapy.org/therapyforstress.html