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Stress - When To Get Help

© Maureen Fleury

In my previous articles on stress, I gave ideas on what you can do to help alleviate it. This may work for some people who have mild symptoms, but what happens when stress takes over your life?

First, let's identify the common symptoms of stress:

headaches

dizziness

fast heartbeat

abnormal eating habits

troubled breathing

inability to slow down or relax

depression

ulcers

high-blood pressure

phobias

disturbed sleep patterns

lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness or enthusiasm

intolerance of people and irritability,especially during discussions or disagreements

outbursts of anger

difficulty in concentrating or an inability to make small decisions

the beginning or increased use of alchohol or drugs

restlessness or difficulty being alone

a loss of efficiency in work

a preoccupation with certain thoughts, especially negative ones

frequent physical illnesses and/or delayed recovery

persistent nightmares and the recurrence of disturbing dreams

a psychomatic illness, such as an unexplainable rash

a withdrawal from friends and social situations

memory loss or hair loss

digestional discomfort

(courtesy of University of Pennsylvania)

Second, when these symptoms get totally out of control, it is time to get help. Where do you start? Who do you turn to?

Here are some recommendations:

draw support from your mate or relatives or friends

talk to your family physician or clergy

seek professional help from your local mental health center or government services

find a private practioner

find a support group or self-help group dealing with specific problems such as drug abuse or phobias

Not all of these suggestions may be right for you. For instance, your friends or mate may not be able to help you and may get too absorbed in your problems. Physicians may be too anxious to prescribe drugs or you don't know a clergyman who you could really talk to. There may be long waiting lists to see professionals or the fee may be out of your affordability. Self-help groups may lack good leadership or steer you toward an obsession or phobia.

Third, you have to admit you need help.

Fourth, you have to seek help. This is very difficult because you may feel you can handle your problems. You may not want other people prying into your affairs. You go to a doctor if you have a physical ailment so just think in terms of other problems that need professional treatment.

Fifth, come to terms with your situation and please seek help.

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