Stress

Stress is something which many of us face in our lives, sometimes even on a daily basis, either work related or closer to home, even happy occasions can cause us stress, no matter what, stress is a normal condition, which occurs from time to time. Stress is something which can range in severity moderate-only temporary, unto problematic. Only when stress becomes unbearable, chronic or severe, an individual needs to have their stress evaluated, due to the fact that a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions can result from too much stress. There are ways for the individual to alleviate stress and move on with their daily lives, however it is important that the individual experiencing the stress, acknowledges the condition and starts on the right path-to eliminate the causing factors.

Recognizing the signs

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Constant tiredness
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Disturbed sleep
• Excess sweating
• Feeling of helplessness
• Feeling of loneliness
• Frustration
• Hair loss
• Impotence
• Irregular menstruation
• Loss of sense of humour
• Low self esteem
• Muscular tension
• Palpitations High blood pressure
• Shallow/fast breathing
• Ulcers

Harmful stress level signs
 

• Lack of control
• Lack of outlets for frustration
• Lack of predictability

Change usually allows stress levels to rise, handling change can be difficult in the short term

Life changing events that have been identified as the most likely to cause harmful stress:

• Bereavement
• Moving house
• Debt
• Ill health
• Difficult relationships
• Work
• Family problems

Eliminating stress

• Recognizing the signs
• Complementary therapies
• Diet
• Exercise