Overcoming Immense Stress
By Rachel Shouse
Everyone at some point is going to face a real struggle. A struggle that very well may feel like it's too much. It could be a loss, a diagnosis, an unseen financial hardship, etc. Life gets hard and not one soul is immune to stress. Many people handle stress differently. Some may make unhealthy decisions, while others may do exactly what they should. While everyone's journey is different, the goal remains. The goal being to feel more at peace. Pinpointing the cause of your stress, handling it in a way that works for you, and reaching out for help are all things you should do if you're going through a hard time.
Identify Your Stress
Some stress is easy to identify. If you have no money, are unemployed, are facing an unforeseen problem, among other things it's pretty easy to see where it's coming from. Others may not be able to identify their stress that easily. Some stress shows as emotional outbursts, inability to focus and concentrate, poor habits or addictions, etc.
Stress isn't always cut and dry. Stress can sometimes feel like a normal after a period of time. While this isn't healthy, it happens. If you can't quite figure out what's wrong try some of these things. Be mindful of how you feel throughout the day. It can be hard to self-evaluate at times. If you happen to notice any irritability, anxiety, or lack of motivation you could identify it that way. If that doesn't work for you, maybe keep a journal. Journaling is a great stress reliever.
Overcoming Your Stress in a Way That Works for You
There are what feels like a million ways to overcome stress or reduce it. The best thing you can do is find a way to relax and overcome in a way that'll work for you. Not everyone likes to journal or take hot baths. Some may respond better to a phone call with a close friend or loved one.
The best way to identify what will work for you is by thinking about the times when you've felt most relaxed. Try not to think about life prior to the stress because there's no way to just force stress out of your brain, especially when it's severe. While facing your problems is great, it's also important that you take a break.
Reach Out for Help
When your best efforts fail, always reach out for help. Severe stress can lead to further mental illness and other unspeakable consequences. Don't be shy either. Counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, etc., have heard it all. You don't need to fear judgement or condemnation. They're there to help you and that's exactly what they'll do. If you let them in.
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