National Stress Awareness Month - Spring Into April With New Hope - Old Towne Counseling

April is associated with spring, renewal, and the blooming of flowers which symbolize growth, opening, and new opportunities. National Stress Awareness Month has been recognized in April since 1992 and it was designed to bring awareness to the causes, effects and how to manage stress. 

Stress is a natural reaction the body has when challenges or changes occur. There’s no avoiding it; everyone experiences stress from time to time. We all experience stress, but we can experience it in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single definition of stress. The most common explanation is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Stress is a reaction to a situation where an individual may feel anxious or threatened. Learning healthy coping mechanisms and getting proper care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.

Common reactions to a stressful event can include:

• Disbelief, shock and numbness

• Feeling sad, frustrated and helpless

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

• Headaches, back pain, and stomach problems

• Smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs

Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can come because of stress.

When you are placed in a stressful situation, specific stress hormones rush into your bloodstream, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. This is helpful in emergencies, but maintaining this “rush” for extended periods can be dangerous and make you susceptible to the previously mentioned issues.

Stress is subjective, because only the person experiencing it can determine if it is present and how severe it feels. Health care providers can administer tests such as questionnaires to help understand your stress and how it is affecting your life as well as evaluating your symptoms. 

The transition from winter to spring can bring unexpected stress and anxiety. The change in seasons can disrupt daily routines, increase social expectations, and even affect mood in ways that feel overwhelming. If you've ever felt more anxious as the weather warms up, you're not alone. 

If stress becomes overwhelming or persistent, seek professional counseling or therapy to develop effective coping mechanisms.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure adequate sleep, eat healthy meals, and engage in regular exercise. 

• Manage Stress: Utilize meditation or deep breathing to bring a sense of calm. 

• Connect with Others: Discuss problems with friends, family, or professionals to reduce feelings of isolation. 

• Recognize Signs: Be aware of physical signs of stress, such as headaches, fatigue, or muscle tension.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, your physical health is affected, symptoms are not going away with stress relieving techniques, or you find yourself using recreational drugs or alcohol to cope, please speak to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. 

WHILE STRESS IS INEVITABLE; IT SHOULD NOT TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!

References

Cleveland Clinic, Stress, May 2024, author n.a https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress 

The American Institute of Stress, Stress Awareness Month: Tips for keeping tensions in check May 2024, By Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. https://www.stress.org/news/stress-awareness-month-tips-for-keeping-tensions-in-check/