 The effect of stress on the body is powerful. Our brain begins releasing neurochemicals and hormones that are intended to help us take action (fight or flight). When we do not take action, prolonged stress can have a severe and negative effect on our health. This can often lead to diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, eating too much or not enough, irritability, agitation, or an inability to relax. These are all signs that our body is not coping well with stress.  Stress only becomes a problem when it takes over our life and makes us less productive or balanced at work, in relationships, or at home. That is when anxiety, burn-out or depression can show up. Knowing what to look for can help. Ask yourself, "Do I have less energy, concentration or enjoyment in my life? Am I having trouble sleeping or shutting off my thoughts and worry? Do I feel bad or guilty about anything? Has my appetite changed? Do I feel like life is too hard?" Answering "Yes" to any one of these questions indicates a problem with stress, anxiety or depression. All are common and far more prevalent that most realize. Your friends or family may even experience some of the same symptoms but are afraid or too embarrassed to talk about it. Unfortunately, mental health has only recently become better understood. Because of this, many have a warped view and associate a negative image to people with mental illness. In reality, the brain is just another organ in the body that can become dysfunctional and fail, similar to the pancreas failing in a person with diabetes. When a person develops heart failure or has a heart attack, we don't criticize or avoid them. Mental illness is no different. Don't be afraid to get help from someone who understands you and can be trusted. If that is not enough, work with a counsellor or a doctor. |  Many people cope with stress by smoking, using alcohol, drugs or pain medication. These are not helpful in the long run and can actually make stress worse. They can make us react badly and make poor decisions when stressed, which in turn, creates more stress and worry for us down the road. Alcohol and drugs do not teach us how to deal with stress in a healthy manner and only help us avoid what we will eventually have to confront. If we don't deal with problem stress now, it will become a bigger and harder to deal with the longer we wait.  The link to the left "Mental Health Resources" has many excellent websites will give you more information to help yourself or family and friends. The next article "Improving Your Mood" will give you more guidance on your road to recovery. There you will also find local resources available here in Invercargill, New Zealand. |