Let’s face it. Life is busy. From work to home to relationships to grocery shopping, parenting, budgeting the list is endless. In these times, we need to make certain we fuel ourselves and avoid being stuck in the so called “survival mode”; that’s if we’re wanting to survive anyway.

Its essential for you to be able to find a way to cope in times of stress. At the end of the day, stress is the one invitation you’re needing to get to the other side, known as dread which can easily trigger anxiety, depression, concentration issues and much more.

What is stress?

Believe it or not, stress is necessary. It’s your body’s reaction to your
situation which may be creating certain challenges or demands. In short bursts, stress can actually be a positive thing such as when it aids in productivity or the avoidance of danger. But like all everything, stress for a long period of time may have drastic repercussions for your mental health and wellness.

Symptoms of stress?

• These are a few of the feelings you may experience when undergoing stress:
• Racing thoughts that just wont stop
• Irritability, anger and a sense of urgency which leads up to impatience
• Anxiousness and fear
  Overwhelmed and not managing
• Unable to enjoy the things you once did
• A sense of suspicion and anticipating the worst
• Mental and emotional strain
• Loneliness and disregarding your needs
• Depression and worsening mental health problems
• Suicidal thoughts

Types of stress

Acute Stress:

This is a short term stress that can be quite intense and tends to last less than a few weeks. It can be
triggered by events that are unexpected or upsetting such as a house break in, lack of support and
criticism from your manage, a heated argument with your spouse or even a traffic jam when you’re
already late . Acute stress can easily turn into chronic stress for example, your relationship with your
spouse isn’t the greatest due to difference and you constantly argue as a result or your manager, teacher or team is toxic and difficult to work with resulting in you feeling unsupported and declining in
productivity.

Chronic Stress:

This is stress that lasts for long periods of time and or returns frequently. Your body tends to have a difficult time handling this type of stress and overtime can cause increased heart and breathing rate, blood pressure as well as muscle tension resulting in your body needing to work harder during its
periods of rest to help you maintain normal functionality. This forces your body to create a new type of
“normal” in order to survive. This new “normal” can lead to numerous physical, emotional and mental
problem such as depression, chronic pain, heart problems and even high blood pressure.

When is stress a problem?

We can’t shy away from the fact that stress plays a major role in mental health, is associated with major depressive disorder(MDD), and can even make coping with day to day symptoms of your existing mental health problems harder than they already are. Because mental health problems can cause stress, additional stress can result in serious problems.

If stress is something you’re finding yourself dealing with often, you need to make an effort to improve
your coping skills. I spoke to a colleague who has been having a difficult time at work a few days ago and
stressed the importance of coping mechanisms in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid stress. Making an effort in improving your coping skills such as journaling, regular exercise, making time for yourself or even practicing breathing with Apps such as Headspace and or Breathe; which are freely available on your android Play Store or Apple IOS store can make an enormous difference and help you better manage stress. It’s not easy, but believe you me, you’ve got this!

YOU’RE NOT ALONE! CONTACT DETAILS THAT’LL COME IN
HANDY SHOULD YOU FIND YOURSELF IN CRISIS:

If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, know that there is help available. You are not alone and your current situation, feelings or problem does not make you weak.

• South African Depression and Anxiety Group: 0800 708 090
• Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393
• LifeLine South Africa: 0860 322 322/011 728 1347
• ChildLine South Africa: 0800 055 555