Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month has been recognized every April since 1992, but with everything going on in the world, this year seems particularly important.
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Stress can be debilitating and can cause and/or aggravate health problems. Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can be caused from stress.

Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.

The CDC suggests the following health ways to deal with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the traumatic event constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
• Take care of your body.
  1. Take deep breaths, stretch, or mediate.
  2. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  3. Exercise regularly.
  4. Get plenty of sleep.
  5. Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
  6. Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Talk to others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
• Connect with your community - or faith-based organizations.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
• Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

We all experience stress. It’s a natural part of life but knowing when/how to talk to others about your stress is imperative. If you or someone you know needs to speak to a professional, please call or text 304-643-4005 today to schedule an appointment with Licensed Psychologist, Jasen Nichols, or Licensed Psychologist, Brenda Tebay.

Uninsured or underinsured? Don’t forget we offer the Sliding Fee Program.

DON’T LET STRESS AFFECT YOUR WELLNESS