Stress: wrestling with shadows

The state of both physiological and psychological reactions to stressful situations is referred to as stress. Stress is normal to some extent in order for us to deal with problems effectively. Think, for example, that we have an important meeting and we need to be there on time. Feeling stressed about it helps us take it seriously and get well-prepared. Stress becomes a problem when it affects us physically and psychologically after we experience it intensely and frequently for a long time. Stress reveals itself in three dimensions; cognitive, emotional, and behavioural. 

First, we experience it in our minds. Cognitively, we evaluate that there is a challenging or demanding situation to which we need to respond effectively. We reflect on it by assessing how well we can handle the situation. During the cognitive assessment, we develop emotional and sensational responses according to our decision. For example, we feel worried, sad, fearful, anxious, hesitations, agitations, or restless depending on our estimation of the severity of the situation. For example, some people may be very comfortable giving a speech in public, while others may feel stressed when initiating a conversation with one person. We also develop physiological responses such as an increased heartbeat, sweating, trembling, heavy breathing, and increased blood pressure. Eventually, we make a behavioural decision based on our estimation and either choose to handle the situation effectively or avoid confronting it. 

Considering that the cognitive assessment of a situation varies from person to person, each of us may name different factors that cause stress. It can be a sudden change in weather conditions or the fear of losing one’s job. Therefore, we can say that anything that makes us think that it is dangerous and gives us a feeling of distress or anguish causes stress. 

Considering that the cognitive assessment of a situation varies from person to person, each of us may name different factors that cause stress. It can be a sudden change in weather conditions or the fear of losing one’s job

Stress can be short-term or chronic. Short-term stress is an uncomfortable emotional response to temporary or one-time events, such as a sudden threat or an unexpected situation. For example, being late for a meeting or having a short-term problem at work Chronic stress, on the other hand, is an ongoing feeling of stress in several situations in our lives. We develop chronic stress gradually and unwittingly due to some chronic life problems, such as a problematic child, an unhealthy relationship, and a lack of self-confidence. 

Stress: wrestling with shadows

Chronic stress shows itself with one or more signs affecting our daily functioning. If we are, for example, experiencing sleep disorders, stomach aches, headaches, muscle tension, high palpitations, and/or difficulty concentrating, we need to think of potential chronic stress. 

As with all mental problems, stress also needs to be treated holistically. We need to address the problem on the cognitive, psychological, spiritual, and physical levels. Reflecting on the situation and on our values and strengths would help us change our perspective towards the factor that causes stress. On the behavioural level, we can consider one or more physical activities such as physical exercises, volunteering, socialising, and handicrafts, depending on their availability. Religious or spiritual resources can be great assets in searching for and finding meaning and purpose in life. 

Contact us and one of our team members will get back to you within 48 hours. 

 111 Waterloo St unit 406 London ON N6B2M4

mail@resiliencec.com

Phone + 1 (226) 374-4457

Cell      + 1(226) 210-4170

Fax      + 1 (226) 916-0283