Since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been recognized worldwide in April to bring awareness and education to the causes and prevention of the stress epidemic. Stress is considered a leading cause of many physical, emotional, and mental health concerns. Reducing stress and the consequences it brings begins with awareness of its existence and the many coping mechanisms to regain control.
The Atlanta Center for Mental Health is a residential mental health center with vast experience and knowledge about stress and its relationship to mental health disorders. The experienced staff members help patients to identify sources of stress, implement positive behaviors, and, most importantly, encourage residents to take time to relax and destress. Find out the many benefits that alleviating stress from your life can have on your mental health by calling 833.625.0458.
How Does Stress Impact Your Mental Health?
While stress is a normal response to the pressures and demands of life, it can also be overwhelming and, for some, debilitating. As we travel through our days, external events cause hormones in the brain to trigger the “fight or flight” response. In small doses, stress can help some people meet deadlines, be prepared for the unexpected, and become more productive. It motivates them to take action. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of stress can lead to physical ailments and mental anguish. People exposed to high levels of stress often experience:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Nervousness and irritability
For some, excess pressures and challenges in life over a long period may trigger anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.
Benefits of Being Aware of Stress
Everyone experiences stress at some level. However, the intensity and frequency of the stress triggers may be intolerable to some individuals, especially those who may already be vulnerable or unaccustomed to high stress levels. Being aware of the causes of stress can help individuals develop coping skills to reduce stress and make changes to reduce or eliminate the stress in their lives.
Several causes and risk factors of stress may include:
- Physical environment
- Relationships
- Work-life
- Financial pressure
- Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, sickness, or job change
Stress awareness leads to stress reduction and management. As the saying goes, “You cannot change what you refuse to confront.” By acknowledging the causes and triggers of stress, you can gain control of your life, reduce negative behaviors, and prevent stress from damaging your mental health.
Managing Stress at Home
Since stress can stem from nearly everything, it is essential to find ways to manage it regularly. The first step is always to recognize what is causing the stress and to be mindful of the emotions you feel.
You can manage stress at home by:
- Creating a routine and sticking to it – Planning out your day helps you understand what you need to get done and enables you to stay on track. You may feel you have less to worry about by staying on track since you can stick to your schedule.
- Eating healthy and exercising regularly – Staying nourished and moving your body can help your body manage stress physically. Staying active keeps your body in check so it can react appropriately.
- Spending time with loved ones and friends – Your support system is vital to managing stress. Talking about your day can help you get things off of your chest, even if you do not need help with anything.
Learn More About Managing Your Mental Health at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Being aware of the causes of stress is the first step in identifying ways to manage and control it. If you or a loved one experiences stress levels that may be impacting your mental health, know that you are not alone, and help is right around the corner.
At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we understand the impact and detriment that stress has on an individual’s physical and mental health. We have developed a system of comprehensive care to treat a broad range of mental health disorders, many of which may be exacerbated by the presence of stress, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorder
Our residential mental health treatment center provides each individual with specially designed treatment options to retreat, recover, and restore so they can return to the life they want and deserve. Find out how you or a loved one can receive life-saving mental health treatment and learn appropriate coping skills to manage the stresses of life and regain control of your health and overall well-being. Call us at 833.625.0458 or use the online form to speak with one of our experienced admissions staff members today.
