Mental health disorders are quite common in our modern day society. Some are probably related to chemical imbalances in the brain. However, a large number of people do occasionally suffer from acute or chronic stress. This can be internal, for example, debilitating or not recovering from illnesses. Many external factors can also cause stress, which can result from abnormal responses to acute or prolonged anxiety, fear of death or losing something important, in addition to poor coping skills and suffering from day to day life stressors. The result can be an acute stress reaction or post traumatic stress related disorders.
Maladjustment to stress causes significant psychological trauma and illnesses, resulting in loss of work days and quality of life.
Stress is usually a normal psychological and physical reaction to a positive or negative situation in your life, such as a new job, being bullied or harassed, or the death of a loved one. Stress itself isn’t abnormal or harmful. What’s important is how we deal with stress.
Some symptoms of stress in our lives:
- Anxiety and not coping
- Poor school or work performance
- Relationship problems
- Sadness, hopelessness and helplessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Losing interest in pleasurable activities
If we’re dealing with stressful situations in our life, trying self help measures such as talking things over with caring family or friends, practising yoga or meditation, getting regular exercise, and cutting back on your to-do list should help. If these techniques don’t help and you feel like you are still having a hard time coping, discuss this with your GP, or obtain a referral to a Psychologist/Psychiatrist.
Work related stress and effects:
This remains an important area which is entirely contextual to current work related stress issues, such as issues with harassment, workplace changes, problems with job cutting, redundancy, GFC, COVID 19 related changes, DV situations, etc. The list is quite tall and can cause WorkCover claims and many people placed ‘off-line’ due to poor adjustment to their perceived or actual stressors.
An overview is available at:
If you are struggling with the effects of stress and feel you need help, please do not hesitate to contact your GP. A referral to a Psychologist often helps. Medications sometimes may be required. There are many good YouTube videos and self help materials available to help you understand and manage stress.
If you have Adult ADHD and Neurodiversity, you stand an enhanced chance of being inflicted with environmental stress. Please be mindful of this and seek help.
At Marsai Clinic, we allow robust discussions about stress and discuss coping strategies. Early intervention is our goal.
A stitch in time saves nine!
Let us not ignore stress any more.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/DS00246
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/ptsd
http://www.sane.org/information/factsheets-podcasts/798-post-traumatic-stress-disorder
Please view our About Us tab to find a Psychologist or Counsellor you feel may be able to assist you in this field at our clinic.