TherapyStress is the natural reaction your body has when changes or challenges occur. It can result in many different physical, emotional and behavioral responses. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. You can’t avoid it. But stress management techniques can help you deal with it. Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behaviour. Knowing common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that’s not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.
Symptoms of stress Stress symptoms can be broadly classified into:
Physical: Aches and pains, chest pain, exhaustion or trouble sleeping, muscle tension or jaw clenching, stomach or digestive problems, weekend immune system etc.
Psychological: Anxiety or irritability, depression, panic attacks, sadness are the psychological symptoms of stress.
Behavioral: Alcohol use disorder, gambling disorder, overeating or developing eating disorder, smoking etc.
Cognitive: Forgetfulness, rigid thinking, difficulty with concentration, constant worrying, poor judgment.
Stress rash
Stress rashes often appear as pink or discolored, raised bumps called hives. Hives are welts that can develop and swell on the surface of your skin. They can itch, burn or even hurt. Hives are usually allergic reaction to something, like certain kinds of foods, fabrics or chemicals. But sometimes, stress can trigger an outbreak.
Stress rashes are more common in females, and they affect people in their 20s, 30s and 40s most often. But they can also affect anyone. Like other kinds of hives, you can try treating them with medication. But it’s also important to manage your stress.
What causes stress?
People react differently to stressful situations. What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another, and almost any event can potentially cause stress. For some people, just thinking about a trigger or several smaller triggers can cause stress. Previous experiences may also affect how a person reacts to stressors.
Common major life events that can trigger stress include Job issues or retirement Lack of time or money Family problems Illness Relationships, marriage or divorce Abortion or pregnancy loss driving in heavy traffic or fear of an accident fear of crime or problems with neighbors excessive noise, overcrowding or pollution Uncertainty or waiting of an important outcome
Some people experience ongoing stress after a traumatic event, such as an accident or an abuse.
How is stress diagnosed?
Stress is subjective – not measurable with tests. Only the person experiencing it can determine whether it’s present and how severe it feels. A healthcare provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life. If you have chronic stress, your healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms that result from stress. For example, they can diagnose and treat high blood pressure.
How to manage stress?
You cannot avoid stress. But you can stop it from becoming overwhelming by practicing some daily stress relief strategies like:
Physical activity: Try getting some form of physical activity when you feel symptoms of stress coming on. Even a short walk or light exercises can boost your mood.
At the end of each day, take a moment to think what have you accomplished –not what you didn’t get done.
Set goals for your day, week and month. Narrowing your view can help you feel more in control of the moment and long term tasks. Consider talking to a therapist or a healthcare provider about your worries.
How can I prevent or reduce stress?
Try relaxation activities like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
Take good care of your body each day. Eating right, participating in physical activity and getting enough sleep can help your body handle stress much better.
Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life.
Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you can’t change.
Stay connected with people who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things.
When should I talk to a healthcare provider about stress?
You should seek medical attention if:
You feel overwhelmed.
Your physical health is affected.
Symptoms of stress aren’t going away with stress relief techniques.
You are using recreational drugs or alcohol to cope.
How does Belief Shaping Therapies help during stress?
At Belief Shaping Therapies, one of the finest therapy centers in Dubai, qualified therapists help relieving stress by identifying your unique stress triggers, teaching evidence based coping strategies and providing a safe, non-judgmental space to process overwhelming emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation Training, Psychological counseling are some of the ways that may help you or your loved ones to cope up with stress.
Conclusion
It’s natural to have stress sometimes. You slept in, your shirt is wrinkly and you are going to be late for that job interview-now, you feel stressed. But long-term stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. It’s important to get control over your chronic stress because it can lead to other health issues. If symptoms of stress aren’t going away with stress relief techniques and if you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to our therapist at Belief Shaping Therapies.