Definition
Stress is a normal reaction to competing demands and pressures. The experience of stress can be thought of as a mental or emotional strain or tension. They may be thinking, “There’s too much to do”, “I don’t have time to do all this” or “I can’t cope” and a small request from a loved one may be met with irritation.
Type of Stress
Pressure to perform; fear of failure, approaching deadlines, poor grades and long hours studying/working can contribute to a student’s stress. Other factors may include, commuting long distances, being away from family and financial stress.
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Unexpected illness, financial stress, marital discord, problems with a child’s physical and mental health, and pressures of daily living can contribute to a person stress at home.
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Long hours, a heavy workload, constant deadlines, job uncertainty, and poor job performance feedback can contribute to chronic stress at work. Other factors may include, job dissatisfaction, lack of authority to make decisions, not meeting one’s full potential, poor communication in the workplace, relationship problems with superiors at work, and long commutes.
Symptoms of Stress
Treatment
While it may not be possible to control certain external factors, the way we think, feel and behave can also contribute significantly to our stress, and can be changed. The danger with stress is that the impacts often develop slowly, so a person may minimize their situation and not seek help. Instead, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or other unhealthy coping strategies may be used to try and continue to meet demands.
Psychodynamic Therapy with recognize recurring patterns helps people see the ways in which they avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms as a method of coping so that they can take steps to change those patterns.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) helps a person identify and change unhelpful beliefs, assumptions, and appraisals of external situations, as well as unhealthy coping styles to reduce stress. Certain lifestyle changes can also help for example, focusing on our physical health such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising can help our bodies stay strong and recover from stress.
Narrative Therapy encourages people to focus on their own skills towards minimizing psychological imbalance as well as other mental stress related challenges exits in their life.
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