The family stress theory, not widely accepted, implies that stress can have serious consequences in intimate family settings. Some say extreme stress might lead to such serious situations as domestic violence, neglect of children or other dire problems. Even when these events aren’t an immediate result of stress, chronic family stress can have lasting consequences on the human body. Learning how to adapt to and deal with stress is important - whether that stress is caused by family or some other source.
Family Stress
Sometimes, feeling stressed itself can cause more stress. It’s hard for many people to acknowledge feelings of family stress, or admit to themselves that they’re feeling tense and pressured, because people love their families. Remember that even a happy family situation can feel stressful, and there’s no reason to feel guilt for feeling stressed. Families are stressful, and adapting to family stress is necessary. It’s only natural to experience stress as part of even normal family interaction.
Often, it’s the ones we love that cause us the most stress - and it’s perfectly natural and normal that it should be this way. Stress is the result of worry, the need to make decisions, normal fears and problems which come up in every life - in short, all those intense feelings and emotional reactions which arise in everyone.
Adapting to Family Stress
Adapting to family stress and relieving the symptoms of stress is a skill everyone should learn. Employ basic calming techniques - slow breathing, muscle relaxation - achieve a less-frazzled, much less stressed, frame of mind. This can help relieve feelings of stress as they occur in the moment, but it may not relieve stress overall and it won’t banish the stressors in your life.
The best way to deal with stress is to establish some sort of emotional support network. When you begin to feel pressures or feelings of strain, talk over these troubles with someone you love and trust. Having several of these people in place, people you can talk to in times of stress, can help you manage different stressful situations with different people in your life. Talk about how you’re feeling and tell family members who cause you stress how they can help. Work with your family to relieve not just your own stress, but theirs as well.
The best way to adapt with family stress is to realize that your feelings are natural and that they can be dealt with in a positive way. Once you have this knowledge, managing stress can become a basic part of your life.
