The Stress Epidemic!
Comments(0) How To Stop Yourself Becoming Another ‘Stress Statistic’
by Jennifer Summers
The statistics are truly <<shocking>>…
* Over 19 million Americans are currently suffering
from stress and anxiety related disorders.
* Up to 75% of people in employment are dissatisfied or
unhappy with their jobs.
* Stress related accidents are increasing year on year.
* Stress levels have increased substantially in children,
teenagers and the elderly.
* The majority of people that are suffering from such
stress disorders refuse to seek medical help.
* Stress is now considered to be a key factor in health
complaints such as stomach disorders, certain cancers
and heart condition.
Stress is not simply a problem, or even an epidemic; sadly
it has now actually become a way of life for the majority
of people!
WHY ARE WE BECOMING MORE STRESSED?
As the statistics above demonstrate, the biggest group
affected by ‘stress’ appears to be those in employment. This
doesn’t suggest we would be better off not working, merely
that working conditions are felt to have become more
demanding in recent years.
In addition to those in the workplace, children and
teenagers are also becoming more prone to anxiety, perhaps
due to ‘peer pressure’.
The aged too are increasingly becoming concerned, they are
living longer, may have financial worries and many fear for
their safety.
Modern life has become very demanding. Mobile phones mean
that we are almost always contactable; leisure time has
become reduced for many, replaced by longer working hours
and health risks have increased with a rise in cancers and
‘new conditions’ constantly being discovered.
IS ANYONE SAFE FROM STRESS?
All of us will experience situations that may cause us to
become ‘stressed’ or feel ‘anxious’.
Reasons are too many to note but can include, buying a
property, having guests stay over (in-laws!), being bullied,
exams, looking after children, managing finances,
relationship issues, travelling etc.
Stress is a ‘normal’ function of everyday life. Only when
it appears to take over our lives does it then become a
problem.
WHY DO WE BECOME STRESSED?
Everyone will have different reasons why a situation causes
them pressure. As a rule it’s usually when we don’t feel in
control of a situation, then we feel it’s grip tightening
around us causing us to feel worried or ‘stressed’.
SO WHAT’S THE ANSWER?
If stress is caused by us not ‘feeling in control’ of a
situation, the answer is to try and reverse this, and
‘retain control’.
EXAMPLES:
If you’re not happy at work, for whatever reasons, speak
with your boss and try to work out a solution that would
make you feel more comfortable.
If you don’t get on particularly well with someone you know
(partner, family, friends), rather than bottling it all up
inside – talk to them about it. You’ll either strengthen
your relationship or not but either way the problem will
be out of your system.
If you know you have an exam or deadline looming, don’t wait
until the night before to try and get everything done as
this just puts undue pressure on yourself.
Examples of stressful situations are endless and I’m sure we
can all think of many that affect us personally. Often we
spend too much time looking for answers instead of simply
analysing the cause.
CALMING TECHNIQUES:
Write down all the areas in your life that currently cause
you to feel stressed.
* How much is your attitude responsible rather than
external factors?
* What could y