This year, May is the awareness month for mental and social health. But, the topic is relevant year round. Often times, people feel as though their minds do not require the same care as their bodies. We get check-ups for with our physicians, but when do we do check-ups for our minds? You do not need to be diagnosed with a serious mental disorder to seek the treatment of a professional psychologist or psychiatrist.
Statistics show that most people in society are dealing with higher and higher stress levels. What’s so bad about stress? Stress is our underestimated enemy. Working class people often deal with the most stress, due to the fact that they are affected by more financial hardships and daily monotony. They also have the least down time to worry about their mental and social health because of the time often spent on kids, work, household duties, and bills. They can also neglect a healthy social life altogether, which cuts off their opportunity for an outlet.
There can be hefty consequences if stress goes unchecked or becomes a regular issue for a person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): “With chronic stress, those same life-saving responses in your body can suppress immune, digestive, sleep, and reproductive systems, which may cause them to stop working normally.” The suppression of any of these things can lead to serious problems, that carry heavy medical bills, which would only add to the stress of someone over-stressed in the first place. Some common symptoms vary from person to person: “some people experience mainly digestive symptoms, while others may have headaches, sleeplessness, sadness, anger or irritability. People under chronic stress are prone to more frequent and severe viral infections, such as the flu or common cold” (NIMH).
These symptoms could cause the person stressing to miss work, which could add to the stress they are already facing. They may not even know that their stressing is the cause of their problems. This article serves as a PSA to those who are stressing out constantly and not realizing what that does to them. If you’re reading this and think you could be at risk of chronic stress, here are some tips to help you manage stress.
First of all, remember that stress is not always bad. It is just one of those things that needs to be managed, so that it is in moderation. You should definitely take some time to yourself in order to self-reflect. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I did something for me?” Find something to do that makes you happy and while you are doing this, think about if your life exhibits the unhealthy signs of stress.
If your life does exhibit those traits, contact your physician and seek health care for any health problems you feel have been a result of your stress. Make some time to get some physical activity. You only need about 20 to 30 minutes to get your blood pumping and some fresh air. This can have a positive effect on your mood and your energy. A helpful thing to do is organize your life in the least stressful way possible. Do not take on too much and accept that there is only so much that you can do.If you absolutely cannot take any time off or to yourself, then make sure you stay connected with someone you trust. This person will play as your outlet of stressful situations and basically the person who will listen to your rants. This will help you to feel a little better, releasing some stress.
No matter what you do or who you are, everyone deals with stress and it is too common to go unchecked. In honor of National Health Month, I urge you to pledge everyday to keeping your body and mind healthy.
Stop Holding On