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If you’re stressed and don’t know what to do, it’s time to take a good hard look at what you’re going through and find help through a qualified therapist, if possible. There are plenty of management techniques that can help you cope with your stress.
At 2nd Chance Treatment Center in Phoenix and Litchfield Park, Arizona, we help people struggling with all types of mental health problems, including overwhelming stress, find the peace they crave.
Stress can be a real problem
Stress is a normal reaction to internal and external pressures. You might feel stress because of a particularly difficult project at school or work, or because of a relationship issue you can’t seem to figure out.
Stress can be worse when you’re fighting against multiple pressures coming from different places all at once, when you’re struggling with a physical health issue, or if you aren't getting enough sleep.
It can be even harder to battle stress if you suffer from mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. If you have problems with addiction, you may find yourself more stressed when you’re going through periods of withdrawal.
Symptoms of stress
Stress affects every person differently. Some stress-related symptoms you might be encountering include:
- Heightened negative emotions like sadness, worry, or frustration
- Trouble concentrating and with decision-making abilities
- Sudden changes in appetite, mood, energy levels, and libido
- Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep disorders
- Headaches, stomach pains, muscle aches, or even skin rashes
- Increased addictive behaviors
If you feel stressed out all of the time and need to break out of the downward spiral, there are several things you can do.
Things you can do to reduce stress
There are some things you can do on your own to try and lower your stress levels. For example:
- If you’re overwhelmed at work or school, communicate this to your manager or teacher
- If your schedule is always packed, book 15 minutes of your day for “me” time
- Set a nighttime routine and stick to it — no screen time for 30 minutes before lights out
- Look at your self-care and see if you’re skimping. Baths, food, and sleep aren’t optional
You can also consider trying medication or journaling to help clear your mind of stress, and seek massage or take a hot bath to relax tense muscles. If you’re still stressed, then it’s definitely time to seek professional help.
Therapy for stress
When despite all of your efforts you still feel overwhelmed, making an appointment with a mental health professional is the next step. Medication and talk therapy may be able to help you understand the root causes of your stress, and you can learn to manage your reactions and start enjoying life again.
If you’re suffering from unrelenting stress and need help, we’re just a phone call away. Call us at any of our locations, or book an appointment online today. We can determine the cause of your stress, diagnose any underlying mental health issues, and provide treatment to help you feel more like yourself again.