Monday, November 27, 2006

How To Identify and Manage Stress

Stress is a common problem - everyone deals with it to some extent in the normal course of their life. Small amounts of stress can even be positive things. It can put your body and mind into a more productive state, helping you get through the task at hand.

If stress continues long term, however, it can lead to a number of more serious problems which can continue to escalate if not addressed.

One of the difficulties with managing stress is that as it becomes more severe, it becomes more and more difficult to deal with it. This can lead to a cyclical problem, where more stress is caused by not being able to manage the current stress properly. This can lead to becoming burned out and tired, simply making it even more hard to handle.

Different people have different ways of dealing with stress and anxiety and some people have a higher tolerance than others. Some of the most common triggers for stress are financial problems, medical problems, and family issues.

Some of the warning signs of stress include the following:

* Constant feelings of worry
* Fatigue or lack of energy
* Depression
* Chest pain
* Difficulty breathing
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Nausea and stomach pain

There are a number of treatments for stress. A person with any of the above symptoms should consult with their doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will often conduct an interview with you to try to determine what underlying issues are causing the stress.

Often, simply identifying the issues can have a positive effect on stress. Once the problem is identified, the doctor can help to lay out the most effective treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication or alternative treatments.