Stressful Situations

The month has been particularly difficult. There was that work deadline you nearly missed. And you still cannot find the extra money you know you withdrew from the ATM machine. These past few weeks have been nothing short of stressful.

Over time, your reactions to stress can build up and start to affect you physically and mentally.

 

Different Stresses, But Still the Worry

There are three main types of stress:

1. Acute Stress – Stress caused by a specific situation which is usually short lived.
2. Episodic Acute Stress – A series of untimely and tragic life events which cause stress. Or due to an individual’s predisposed nature to react to regular situations with high levels of stress and a cycle of stress, worry and anger.
3. Chronic Stress – A buildup of stress over time which eventually creates a chronic strain, creating a significant impact on one’s physical and mental health.

 

Symptoms of Stress

Stress can present in a number of ways that you may not be aware of immediately. Some of the symptoms of stress include:

• Digestion issues, including diarrhea
• Headaches and body pains
• Shaking and sweating
• Distracted mental state
• Low energy, feelings of exhaustion, and general moods of apathy
• High blood pressure and other heart related conditions
• Quick to feeling irritated or irrational anger
• Feelings of depression, being nervous or anxious, and feeling disorientated

 

Preventing Stress and Finding Happiness and Mindfulness

 

1. Finding Some Fun - Easy to say, not always easy to do. If you are finding yourself regularly stressed-out, make sure you take some time for yourself. When was the last time you did something you really enjoyed?

If it has been a while since you traveled, went on a bike ride or read a book, then maybe you should start actively focusing on and incorporating those things back into your life.

2. Talk to Someone - Maybe you just need someone to talk to. There is a reason that the band REM had a global hit with their song “Everybody Hurts”, because sometimes everyone does. Find a friend or talk with your significant other about how you are feeling.
3. Be mindful - A huge part of stress is mental. Develop mental and physical relaxation techniques so that when you do encounter stressful situations you can better center yourself and react more evenly and level-headedly instead of flying into a rage or having a panic attack.
4. Reflect - After a stressful event, do some self-reflection, perhaps alone or with a friend. Evaluate your reactions and discuss or think about how you could have reacted better during the situation and how to possibly avoid a similar situation in the future.
5. Plan Ahead - Try to develop a plan for recurring events that bring stress into your life. Plan for regularity and reduce the frequency of repeated stresses by being better prepared. If a bill or rent is due in a month, what can be done in your daily life to be ready to pay it? If a monthly meeting with you presenting information is stressful, prepare as early as possible, practice, and rehearse for it.

 

Stress - When is it time to call your Doctor?

If you are feeling any of the symptoms of stress on a regular basis with no relief in sight, consult with a professional.
At Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center, our expert psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and specialized nurses can provide in-depth diagnosis with specialized treatment for individuals experiencing stress-related symptoms.
For a specific consultation with an expert at the Behavioral Health Center, dial +66 2011 4090. Or for more a more general inquiry contact us to schedule an appointment, dial +66 2011 2222, request an appointment online, or send us your inquiry.