Stress
- What can you do about Stress?
Taking Control
When stress takes over, ordinary challenges can look like threats and
serious events can seem unbearable. Take control where you can- you can't
always change the world around you, but you can change your reaction to
it.
Focusing on the negatives, predicting the worst and blaming yourself or
others can all take their toll.
Give yourself a break.
For example:
Instead of thinking: "It's all over
and there's nothing I can do about it."
Try thinking: "How can I attack the problem in manageable pieces."
Instead of thinking: "I should be
able to handle it"
Try thinking: "I need some support to get through this, who can I
go to?"
Look after yourself
Some form of exercise, even walking - can get your body's defences
working and help to bring stress levels down. Eating well is essential
when you're feeling stressed - get a good balanced diet to be at your
best. Take time to do things you enjoy- spending all your time worrying
will only wear you down further and leave you less able to cope. Give
yourself things to look forward to - even a few hours out of the usual
routine can give you a sense of perspective.
Get the support you need
Seeking support from other people can be key to getting through stressful
situations. Ironically, your reaction when under stress can often be to
withdraw from those who might offer the most support. Even worse, stressful
times can put a strain on the relationships you most depend on. Even so,
taking the time to talk things through with someone else can be an important
step to seeing your way clear of a stressful situation. Friends, family
members and work associates can allow you to let off steam. By banding
together, common solutions can start to become clear. Either way, talking
to someone will help you realise that you are not on your own and help
to reduce tension.
If you don 't feel you can turn to anyone close to you, you might find
it useful to talk to Samaritans in confidence. Samaritans is available
24 hours, every day of the year, to listen for as long as you need to
talk. Samaritan volunteers come from all walks of life, and won 't ever
advise or judge.
Why does talking help?
Talking openly about how you really feel can be like opening a door.
Talking puts you back in control and reveals the choices you have. Many
people feel pressured into hiding their feelings out of embarrassment
or concern not to burden family or friends. But hiding under a calm exterior
only saves the problem for later and stress can build up until it becomes
unbearable. Don't leave it that long. Remember your emotional health is
your responsibility and Samaritans is there to help whatever time of the
day or night.
Information supplied by Samaritans.
If you feel you need help then here are
a few links to organisations that you may wish to talk to.
Samaritans
If you're in emotional distress or at risk of suicide, Samaritans are
there for you 24 hours a day. Samaritans offers 24 hour confidential emotional
support. Visit:  www.samaritans.org
for more details.
For support phone: 08457 90 90 90 (UK) 1850 60 90 90 (ROI)
or
email jo@samaritans.org. With Samaritans,
you get the time and the space to find a way through."
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
http://www.bacp.co.uk/
Parentline Plus
http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/
Depression Alliance
http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Mind
http://www.mind.org.uk
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