Stress & Stress Management

If you experience stress at a level low enough that you handle it well, and which may even stimulate you to better performance, this is a healthy part of life.

But if you experience a high degree of stress, and it takes away from your enjoyment of day-to-day living, and you struggle to manage it well, this is obviously not a healthy thing.

It's very common, though. According to recent research by the American Psychological Association, approximately one third of all American adults surveyed report living with "extreme stress." Translated to the population at large, this would mean that perhaps 80 million adults in America are living with extreme stress. So if you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, you're far, far from alone.

Common Causes of Stress

People experience stress for many reasons. And it's interesting to note that some of the causes of stress are good events (like buying a house or having a baby or getting an important promotion). In any case, some of the common reasons for stress are:

  • Work or Job Pressures

  • Loss of Job

  • Divorce or Relationship Breakup

  • Health issues

  • Getting Married

  • Financial Obligations or Concerns

  • Moving or Buying or Selling a House

  • Marriage or Relationship Problems

  • Illness or Death of a Loved One

  • Loneliness or Isolation

  • Getting an important Promotion or New Position

  • Emotional difficulties

  • Having a Child

  • Interpersonal Problems

  • Legal Problems

When under a great deal of stress, most people are helped by some or all of the following:

  1. Having someone to talk to about the situation. Being heard, and given the benefit of good listening, attentive and caring

  2. Assistance with problem-solving, brainstorming, and finding solutions

  3. Learning stress-management strategies

  4. Learning relaxation techniques

  5. Reflecting on the pace and structure of their lifestyle and commitments

We can be of help in all the above ways, and more.

Ongoing stress can have both emotional and physical health effects. So for your own sake and the sake of those who care about you, it's important to address chronic stress before it goes on too long.

If you would like to set a time to call in and begin dealing with excessive stress in your life, please contact Michael Posner, MSW, LCSW at (918) 830-3750.