Emotional stress: what it is and how to deal with it
Dealing with stress is pretty much a given for just about everyone at some point or another. After all, life is made up of challenges that put us to the test physically, mentally and emotionally. However, when a person has to deal with that kind of adversity all the time, the constant strain of such pressure can really take a toll on a person’s mental and physical well-being. This can be to the point where your health can be negatively affected in the short or even long term. This is known as emotional stress. The following information should help you determine if you are dealing with this type of anxiety and how to overcome it.
If you have problems with your sleep habits, either sleeping more than usual or only sleeping for a few hours and finding it hard to get back to sleep, you may be experiencing emotional stress. This is often caused by anxiety or depression, especially if there are no physical reasons for your sleep problems.
If you experience extreme changes in your weight over a short period of time, especially if you haven’t changed your eating or exercise routines, you may be experiencing emotional stress. Also, if you constantly think about food or constantly avoid eating, those signs could also be indicators that you are experiencing emotional stress. Depression can also cause poor appetite.
The body will sometimes help you and others by letting you know that you are suffering from excessive stress when you have physical ailments whose cause you simply cannot explain. If you’ve had a physical exam and a doctor can’t find any physical problems with you, emotional stress may be causing your physical pain.
Another sure sign that you may be overly stressed is if you are always in a bad mood, always showing a short temper towards others, and always getting too upset over little problems or events. Both your physical and mental health could be at risk, as well as the physical and mental health of those around you.
What can you do if you are showing the above signs? First, you need to identify and directly address the stressor or stressors that are causing your emotional distress. You should also try to see the positive aspects of your life and determine if the stressors you have identified are really worth worrying about. You may be making those problems bigger than you really need to be.
You also need to take time for yourself and enjoy fun activities to help take the pressure off your mind; no one can spend long periods of time under great harshness without being affected. Also, let your family, friends, and doctor know what you’re dealing with, so they can all help you work through that stress and see the positives in your life.
Emotional stress can place a great burden on those who suffer from it, both in terms of mental and physical health. They may be more irritable, have problems with their sleep patterns, be less sociable than usual, and may experience severe weight fluctuations.
By identifying and realizing what you are experiencing, you can work to overcome it with the right attitude, focus, and help from your family, friends, and doctor.