Coping with emotions and Stress

What are the causes of stress?

• Difficult living conditions
• Heavy workload
• Lack of leisure activities, social or cultural life
• Insecurity
• Threat to well-being or health risks
• Challenges to a person’s values, ideas and beliefs
• Financial problems

What are the signs of stress?

• Sleeping and eating problems.
• Increased boredom and fatigue.
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs.
• Decision-making problems.
• Becoming anxious or confused over unimportant events.
• Inability to get organized.
• Inability to concentrate or pay attention.
• Weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
• Persistent hostility or feelings of anger.
• Nightmares.
• Overpowering urges to cry, run, or hide.
• Frequent headaches and ailments.
• Frequent indigestion, diarrhea or urination.
• Frequent colds and infections.

How is stress managed?

• Establish realistic goals of what you can and cannot do and talk to your supervisor about making appropriate changes at work.
• Divide tasks into manageable parts.
• Ask others for help, or discuss your problems and feelings with a friend.
• Take time off work.
• Make use of your spiritual support system.
• Engage in recreational activities outside of work.
• Get some rest - listen to what your body is telling you.
• If you are feeling very stressed and are unable to cope, seek professional help.