Self Care Tips For Dealing With Stress

[Guest guest]

This is an excellent article that is found at:

http://about.com/relief.htm

http://stress.about.com

The internet site called: ABOUT.com is excellent for

information that is needed fast, and which has many other links to

other similar topics. The only reason I am excerpting this info

here is for our affirmations to de-stress members or for new members

who might have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. This is my way

of making more info available to members that may need this!!

Please check out:

http://stress.about.com for more valuable information. I

appreciate their tremendous articles as they help so many people!!

Thank You!

http://stressmanagement.about.com (also)

Suggested Reading

Staying Calm in a Changing WorldHow to Find a TherapistThe Effects

of Trauma

More from About

Preparing for EmergenciesState Mental Health Directory

From Cathleen Henning,

Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Stress

In a changing world, disasters affect the lives of more and more

people. The effects of terrorist acts reverberate around the world

and for years after the events have taken place. Meanwhile, natural

disasters, as always, continue to bring our day-to-day lives to a

halt. Stress is a normal reaction to these events. How do we

understand our emotional reactions? Is there a time to seek help?

Here are tips and suggestions.

Things to Remember When Trying to Understand Disaster Events

No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.

It is normal to feel anxious about you and your family's safety.

Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an

abnormal event.

Acknowledging our feelings helps us recover.

Focusing on our strengths and abilities will help you to

heal.

Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.

We each have different needs and different ways of coping.

It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused

great pain. However, nothing good is accomplished by hateful

language or actions.

Signs that Adults Need Stress Management Assistance

How do you know when you or a loved one requires help? These

symptoms may possibly indicate a deeper stress or more serious

reaction than what we consider " normal " stress. These types of

reactions may interfere with the person's day-to-day functioning and

could continue indefinitely without outside assistance.

Difficulty communicating thoughts

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty maintaining balance

Easily frustrated

Increased use of drugs/alcohol

Limited attention span

Poor work performance

Headaches/stomach problems

Tunnel vision/muffled hearing

Colds or flu-like symptoms.

Disorientation or confusion

Difficulty concentrating

Reluctance to leave home

Depression, sadness

Feelings of hopelessness

Mood-swings

Crying easily

Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt

Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone

Ways to Ease the Stress

Whether you are coping with stress on your own or receiving help

from a professional, these tips will enhance the coping process.

Support and lifestyle are important components of strong mental

health.

Talk with someone about your feelings –- anger, sorrow, and

other emotions -- even though it may be difficult.

Don't hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be

frustrated because you feel that you cannot help directly in the

rescue work.

Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by

staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them.

This healthy outlook will help yourself and your family. (i.e.

healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation.)

Maintain a normal household and daily routine, limiting

demanding responsibilities of yourself and your family.

Spend time with family and friends.

Participate in memorials, rituals, and use of symbols as a way

to express feelings.

Use existing supports groups of family, friends, and church.

Establish a family emergency plan. Feeling that there is

something that you can do can be very comforting.

* When to Seek Help: If self-help strategies are not helping or you

find that you are using drugs/alcohol in order to cope, you are may

wish to seek outside or professional assistance with your stress

symptoms.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AffirmationstoDe-Stress

A positive thinking, positive affirmations support group, that discusses ways to

cope with the stresses of daily life. Come aboard! PJ and Gang