Stress

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Talk things over with your family and friends; it often helps to share your concerns and worries. If you feel your problem is really bad, you may want to get help from a counselor.
• Don't blame yourself if things don't always go right.
• Learn what things make you feel tense and either avoid them or learn how to deal with them better.
• Deal with your problems one at a time instead of lumping them all together. Trying to take care of everything at once may seem impossible. List all the things you need to do and then start with the most important one.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs to relieve stress. Although you may feel better for a short time, they do not solve the underlying problems--and can be habit forming.
• Clean your house or your work space. Get rid of things you don't need.
• Exercise at least 3 times a week. Exercise helps to reduce tension.
• Take a short time-out period when you feel stressed out during the day. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
• Try using muscle relaxation. Start with the muscles in your face: Tense them, hold them this way for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat this with the muscles in your neck, shoulders, hands, belly, back, and legs.
• Take good care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.
• Make time for fun. Take a break from your daily chores to relax.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You feel your problems are getting the best of you and you can no longer deal with them on your own.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You feel an urge to hurt yourself or someone else.