In an 1983 story, Time Magazine called stress "The Epidemic of the Eighties" referring to it as a leading health problem. And the situation has only become worse since then. We have all heard about stress and stress related problems. Some of us have even experienced panic attacks, depression, agoraphobia, or other conditions associated with unhealthy stress. We know how it can affect us, but do you know how to recognize stress? |
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
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nervousness |
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rapid heart beat |
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dizziness |
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panicky feelings, panic attacks |
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diarrhea & stomach problems |
Irrational fears about:
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losing control |
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dying |
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losing your mind |
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embarrassing yourself |
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having a heart attack |
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leaving the house (agoraphobia) |
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Personality types most associated with anxiety:
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extremely analytical |
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emotionally sensitive |
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over reacts |
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sensitive to criticism |
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low self-esteem |
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need to appear in control at all times |
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obsessive thinking |
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inner nervousness |
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high expectations |
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easily irritated |
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worrier |
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hypochondriac |
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sensitive to negative stimuli |
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Here are a few guidelines you can use now to help alleviate your anxiety:
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Recognize and admit that you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, and/or depression. |
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Become aware of your body's symptoms and reactions to stress. Don't let them scare you, let them talk to you. |
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Try to pinpoint what it is you are anxious about. Where is the stress coming from? What happened yesterday? What were you thinking about before you went to bed? If you can't pinpoint it, don't worry about it and move on. |
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Give yourself permission to feel anxious about whatever it is that is bothering you or causing you stress. "Of course I feel anxious about this problem, anyone would. But how much anxiety is too much?" |
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If you do know what it is that is bothering you, what can you do to eliminate or minimize the situation in some way so that it isn't so stressful? How can you help yourself reduce the unnecessary stress? |
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Most importantly, how can you react differently so you won't be so affected by this situation? |
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Listen to the dialogue within yourself. Are you filling yourself full of negative thoughts about a certain situation? What could you say to yourself that would feel more comforting? |
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Listen to the dialogue of those around you. Is someone around you being negative and dragging you down with them? If so, how could you change your reaction to their negative attitude so that you would be less affected by them? |
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Are you overwhelming yourself with "shoulds" and high expectations? If so, which ones would you eliminate? |
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Are you blaming someone else for your stress, anxieties, unhappiness, depression, poor health, lack of success or whatever? How can you take responsibility for yourself and make some positive changes? |
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Give yourself positive reinforcement for even the smallest accomplishments. |
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| Mary says... |
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| "I know I'm better because I'm not afraid to do things anymore." |
| Full Story |
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Also Check out:
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| General information regarding specific stress related disorders. |
| More |
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| Panic Attacks - What are they & why am I having one? |
| More |
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| What is an Anxiety Attack? |
| More |
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