~tasha~
Age: 124
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Six myths surround stress. Dispelling them enables us to understand our problems
and then take action against them. Let's look at these myths.
Myth 1: Stress is the same for everybody.
Completely wrong. Stress is different for each of us. What is stressful for one
person may or may not be stressful for another; each of us responds to stress in
an entirely different way.
Myth 2: Stress is always bad for you.
According to this view, zero stress makes us happy and healthy. Wrong. Stress is
to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the
music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps.
Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue, really, is how
to manage it. Managed stress makes us productive and happy; mismanaged stress
hurts and even kills us.
Myth 3: Stress is everywhere, so you can't do anything about it.
Not so. You can plan your life so that stress does not overwhelm you. Effective
planning involves setting priorities and working on simple problems first,
solving them, and then going on to more complex difficulties. When stress is
mismanaged, it's difficult to prioritize. All your problems seem to be equal and
stress seems to be everywhere.
Myth 4: The most popular techniques for reducing stress are the best ones.
Again, not so. No universally effective stress reduction techniques exist. We
are all different, our lives are different, our situations are different, and
our reactions are different. Only a comprehensive program tailored to the
individual works.
Myth 5: No symptoms, no stress.
Absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of stress. In fact, camouflaging
symptoms with medication may deprive you of the signals you need for reducing
the strain on your physiological and psychological systems.
Myth 6: Only major symptoms of stress require attention.
This myth assumes that the "minor" symptoms, such as headaches or stomach acid,
may be safely ignored. Minor symptoms of stress are the early warnings that your
life is getting out of hand and that you need to do a better job of managing
stress.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6536 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Managing Traumatic Stress...
The September 11th terrorist attacks were the type of events we thought could
never happen. Like other types of disasters they were unexpected, sudden and
overwhelming. In some cases, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical
injury, but there is nonetheless a serious emotional toll. It is common for
people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional
reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you
in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you
along the path to recovery.
What happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event?
Shock and denial are typical responses to terrorism, disasters and other kinds
of trauma, especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal
protective reactions.
Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state that may
leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial involves your not acknowledging that
something very stressful has happened, or not experiencing fully the intensity
of the event. You may temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life.
As the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from one person to another. The
following, however, are normal responses to a traumatic event:
- Feelings become intense and sometimes are unpredictable. You may become more
irritable than usual, and your mood may change back and forth dramatically. You
might be especially anxious or nervous, or even become depressed.
- Thoughts and behavior patterns are affected by the trauma. You might have
repeated and vivid memories of the event. These flashbacks may occur for no
apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heart beat or
sweating. You may find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, or become
more easily confused. Sleep and eating patterns also may be disrupted.
- Recurring emotional reactions are common. Anniversaries of the event, such as
at one month or one year, as well as reminders such as aftershocks from
earthquakes or the sounds of sirens, can trigger upsetting memories of the
traumatic experience. These 'triggers' may be accompanied by fears that the
stressful event will be repeated.
- Interpersonal relationships often become strained. Greater conflict, such as
more frequent arguments with family members and coworkers, is common. On the
other hand, you might become withdrawn and isolated and avoid your usual
activities.
- Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress. For example, headaches,
nausea and chest pain may result and may require medical attention. Pre-existing
medical conditions may worsen due to the stress.
How do people respond differently over time?
It is important for you to realize that there is not one 'standard' pattern of
reaction to the extreme stress of traumatic experiences. Some people respond
immediately, while others have delayed reactions - sometimes months or even
years later. Some have adverse effects for a long period of time, while others
recover rather quickly.
And reactions can change over time. Some who have suffered from trauma are
energized initially by the event to help them with the challenge of coping, only
to later become discouraged or depressed.
A number of factors tend to affect the length of time required for recovery,
including:
- The degree of intensity and loss. Events that last longer and pose a greater
threat, and where loss of life or substantial loss of property is involved,
often take longer to resolve.
- A person's general ability to cope with emotionally challenging situations.
Individuals who have handled other difficult, stressful circumstances well may
find it easier to cope with the trauma.
- Other stressful events preceding the traumatic experience. Individuals faced
with other emotionally challenging situations, such as serious health problems
or family-related difficulties, may have more intense reactions to the new
stressful event and need more time to recover.
How should I help myself and my family?
There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well being
and a sense of control following a terrorist act, a disaster or other traumatic
experience, including the following:
- Give yourself time to heal. Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in
your life. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be
patient with changes in your emotional state.
- Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and
empathize with your situation. But keep in mind that your typical support system
may be weakened if those who are close to you also have experienced or witnessed
the trauma.
- Communicate your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you - such as
by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary.
- Find out about local support groups that often are available such as for those
who have suffered from natural disasters, or for women who are victims of rape.
These can be especially helpful for people with limited personal support
systems.
- Try to find groups led by appropriately trained and experienced professionals.
Group discussion can help people realize that other individuals in the same
circumstances often have similar reactions and emotions.
- Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive
stress. Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience
ongoing difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through
relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Establish or reestablish routines such as eating meals at regular times and
following an exercise program. Take some time off from the demands of daily life
by pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities.
- Avoid major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs if possible
because these activities tend to be highly stressful.
How do I take care of children's special needs?
The intense anxiety and fear that often follow a disaster or other traumatic
event can be especially troubling for children. Some may regress and demonstrate
younger behaviors such as thumb sucking or bed wetting. Children may be more
prone to nightmares and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may
suffer. Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums more
frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary.
There are several things parents and others who care for children can do to help
alleviate the emotional consequences of trauma, including the following:
- Spend more time with children and let them be more dependent on you during the
months following the trauma - for example, allowing your child to cling to you
more often than usual. Physical affection is very comforting to children who
have experienced trauma.
- Provide play experiences to help relieve tension. Younger children in
particular may find it easier to share their ideas and feelings about the event
through non-verbal activities such as drawing.
- Encourage older children to speak with you, and with one another, about their
thoughts and feelings. This helps reduce their confusion and anxiety related to
the trauma. Respond to questions in terms they can comprehend. Reassure them
repeatedly that you care about them and that you understand their fears and
concerns.
- Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going to bed
to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.
When should I seek professional help?
Some people are able to cope effectively with the emotional and physical demands
brought about by a natural disaster or other traumatic experience by using their
own support systems. It is not unusual, however, to find that serious problems
persist and continue to interfere with daily living. For example, some may feel
overwhelming nervousness or lingering sadness that adversely affects job
performance and interpersonal relationships.
Individuals with prolonged reactions that disrupt their daily functioning should
consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional. Psychologists
and other appropriate mental health providers help educate people about normal
responses to extreme stress. These professionals work with individuals affected
by trauma to help them find constructive ways of dealing with the emotional
impact.
With children, continual and aggressive emotional outbursts, serious problems at
school, preoccupation with the traumatic event, continued and extreme
withdrawal, and other signs of intense anxiety or emotional difficulties all
point to the need for professional assistance. A qualified mental health
professional can help such children and their parents understand and deal with
thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result from trauma.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6536 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
All human beings worry sometime or the other. The following ten steps can help
you keep your worries at bay.
Step 1: Never worry alone. Talk to someone about your problems. This will help
put your problems in proper perspctive.
Step 2: Get the facts: Find out if your worry has any basis. Write down what is
worrying you, it will help you isolate and identify the problem.
Step3: Take action. Don't waste your time or energy on worrying. Try to confront
and resolve your problems. Avoiding difficulties creates more stress in the long
run.
Step 4: Take care of your body: exercise daily, eat healthy food and get enough
sleep, because exercising will help relax your muscles. Taking care of your body
physically will not only reduce tension, but also gives more energy to deal with
the problem.
Step 5: Live for the moment : don't worry about what will happen in the future
and what happened in the past. Focus instead on the present.
step 6: Be positive: always focus on the positive side of things instead of
brooding on negative thoughts. Develop a sense of humour.
Step 7: Set aside a worry period of about 30 minutes to think about your
problems, arrive at solutions and ease your tensions.
Step 8: Remain busy: plenty of action is a cure for worry. Keeping yourself busy
eliminates negative thoughts from your mind.
Step 9: Avoid self - medication: do not resort to taking unnecessary drugs or
alcohol. Take professional help, if needed.
Step 10: Finally, count your blessings: whenever your worries make you feel low,
think of the blessings. You will start to feel better.
