Stress

You Are Not to Blame: Some Stresses Can't Be Avoided

Try as we might, sometimes we can't avoid stressful situations or avoid being under stress. Some stresses are forced on us. The terrorist attacks on our nation September 11, 2001, brought this issue to light when people around the country found themselves unable to sleep, feeling under pressure, experiencing depression, and showing other symptoms in reaction to the trauma of the attacks.

People who experience traumatic events, such as terrorist attacks, life-threatening situations, natural disasters, serious accidents, or personal assaults can suffer from an extreme form of stress call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder and people who suffer from it often relive their traumatic experiences through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged. PTSD can occur at any time - days or even years after a traumatic event. It is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, memory problems, and other physical and mental health problems. The disorder can affect people's day-to-day life, including their ability to function socially.

Similar to PTSD, other forms of chronic stress, often brought on by life situations that are out of our control, such as having a disability, can be difficult to manage. The constant stress of spending the rest of your life looking for a curb cut, ramp, or step-less entrance can add up and increase your overall stress.

People who experience PTSD or chronic stress should seek help from professionals - some burdens are too great to bear alone. Although there is no perfect treatment for PTSD or chronic stress, there are a variety of medications and psychotherapies that can greatly improve the quality of life of people with severe stress problems.
Identify what is causing you stress.

Don't ignore or gloss over your problems. If something is bothering you, identify what it is. If you think it shouldn't be