Most
of us view stress as a negative thing and relatedly most of us experience stress in a negative way. In fact, stress is simply a reaction to something that disturbs, threatens or challenges our balance, and our bodies respond in either a fight or flight manner; that is we decide to face it or run from it. Whichever response we choose, stress shuts down non- essential bodily functions such as our digestive system and immune system in order to focus its energies elsewhere and releases chemicals into our body that make it possible for us to either fight or retreat.
In some instances, stress can be a positive thing and it encourages us to develop our mental strength. Having the body prepare for a necessary physical response that requires fast action to ensure safety is an essential survival tool. Responses of increased heart rate, heightened muscle preparedness and increased alertness along with released adrenalin, enhances our reaction.
Unfortunately, the stresses we talk about more commonly are the threats and pressures we experience in our everyday lives. We continually weigh and assess situations, then judge whether something is a threat and if we have the resources to cope. If we believe we are able to effectively deal with the situation, we are unlikely to become stressed but if we believe the situation is beyond our capabilities or resources, it becomes stressful. Unfortunately, the lifestyles many of us lead nowadays find us increasingly experiencing those pressures and they can have negative effects; both physically and psychologically.
Our young people especially are feeling the pressure. Regardless of their backgrounds, perception makes stress real and it is adversely affecting them. The most common type of emotional stress is acute stress. It comes from demands and pressures of the recent past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Whether that threat is coming in the form of poverty related issues, relationship difficulties or exam stress, if someone experiences stress over a long period, the effects can lead to psychological distress and physical symptoms such as tension headaches and upset stomach.
Long-term acute stress can cause people to be short-tempered, irritable, anxious and tense. With the generation gap already so wide, the abrupt, irritable and hostile way in which a person experiencing stress can present themselves can cause interpersonal relationships to deteriorate rapidly, and widen the gap further between parent/caregiver and child. It can be difficult to understand why a young person behaves this way when it is not apparent that they are experiencing difficulties. Just because their lives may seem threat free to an adult who has many more problems to face daily does not mean the young person is not feeling stress.
Those experiencing moderate stress can begin to combat those situations or feelings by finding out what triggers stress and try to understand why it has the effect it does. Sorting worries into those categories – something can be done and those there is no control over – then starting to do something about the ones that can be changed and finding ways to cope with the ones that cannot, gives some control and develops acceptance. Taking one task at a time makes things seem more manageable and knowing when to take a break and, as far as possible taking one, is a valuable tool. Most importantly, getting a fresh perspective to help re-evaluate expectations, capabilities and resources in a more positive light can shift the balance and release pressures.
More serious is chronic stress when a person cannot see a way out of a miserable situation and loses hope, and stops looking for a solution. Unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time can lead to mental health issues that may require more invasive intervention.
Do not continue to live under your perceived stresses, make small changes that will give you some freedom from your pressures. Remember stress is a natural survival response, we just need to re-examine our stressors.
