There are times when we are stressed out and don’t fully realize it. This can happen when you are dealing with so much that you start to think that extreme stress is the norm. Often when you have to balance many responsibilities you may feel you don’t have time to stop, or reflect, or take care of yourself. The truth is when we ignore the stress we are carrying, there can be major consequences on our lives, physically, emotionally, socially, and financially. It is important to start paying attention to the warning signs of your stress before they explode. One way your distress can show up is in your body.
In psychology, there is a category of symptoms called somatic complaints. A somatic complaint is a physical symptom for which there is no medical explanation. These complaints can be migraines, muscle ache, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, backache, nausea, headaches, constipation, skin rash, and heartburn. It is important to know that your body is experiencing real pain and discomfort, even if the cause of it is anxiety, stress, or fear. A difficult part of the cycle is that your worries can create physical symptoms and then the symptoms can give you new reasons to worry. So for example, you may be worried about a relationship or money problems. This worry can show up in a rash or migraine and then you end up having this physical issue as another reason to worry.
So what are some ways to manage your concerns so they don’t have to take a toll on your health?
1. Get in touch with what you’re feeling instead of denying your concerns.
2. Be sure to get a physical so you don’t dismiss something as being psychologically caused when it may have a medical cause.
3. Seek out support from family, friends, and/or a counselor. Carrying the weight of your stress alone can eventually drain you. Reach out to others to receive help and support.
4. Engage in activities that bring you pleasure, enjoyment, happiness. Sometimes you have to press pause and take a mental break from your challenges.
5. Avoid negative coping activities such as addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs.
6. Get physical. Exercise in moderation can be a great way to release stress that you are holding in your body.
7. Try to think positively. When we have a doomsday mentality it increases vulnerability to depression and distress. Try to hold on to hope that things in your life can improve.
Pay attention to your body and take care of yourself – mentally, physically, and spiritually. When we try to avoid our issues, they find different ways to get our attention. Instead of being passive about your health, take ownership of the need to protect your mental and physical well-being. You are worth it.
In psychology, there is a category of symptoms called somatic complaints. A somatic complaint is a physical symptom for which there is no medical explanation. These complaints can be migraines, muscle ache, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, backache, nausea, headaches, constipation, skin rash, and heartburn. It is important to know that your body is experiencing real pain and discomfort, even if the cause of it is anxiety, stress, or fear. A difficult part of the cycle is that your worries can create physical symptoms and then the symptoms can give you new reasons to worry. So for example, you may be worried about a relationship or money problems. This worry can show up in a rash or migraine and then you end up having this physical issue as another reason to worry.
So what are some ways to manage your concerns so they don’t have to take a toll on your health?
1. Get in touch with what you’re feeling instead of denying your concerns.
2. Be sure to get a physical so you don’t dismiss something as being psychologically caused when it may have a medical cause.
3. Seek out support from family, friends, and/or a counselor. Carrying the weight of your stress alone can eventually drain you. Reach out to others to receive help and support.
4. Engage in activities that bring you pleasure, enjoyment, happiness. Sometimes you have to press pause and take a mental break from your challenges.
5. Avoid negative coping activities such as addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs.
6. Get physical. Exercise in moderation can be a great way to release stress that you are holding in your body.
7. Try to think positively. When we have a doomsday mentality it increases vulnerability to depression and distress. Try to hold on to hope that things in your life can improve.
Pay attention to your body and take care of yourself – mentally, physically, and spiritually. When we try to avoid our issues, they find different ways to get our attention. Instead of being passive about your health, take ownership of the need to protect your mental and physical well-being. You are worth it.
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