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Newark, NJ--In small doses, stress may be
helpful. The human body responds to a stressful situation instantly,
by preparing for "fight or flight." Under sudden stress, you get
a burst of strength and endurance, as the body pumps out stress
hormones. But too much stress or stress that lasts for a long time
can take a negative toll on the body.
It has been estimated that two-thirds of all visits to physicians
are for stress-related problems. Recent evidence indicates that
the physical changes associated with stress may contribute to the
leading causes of death--heart disease and cancer. Constant stress
can increase blood pressure and the risk for stroke.
“If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, you are not alone,” says
Tess Medina, RN, C, BSN, MAS Administrative Director of the Behavioral
Health Department at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC). “A
Gallup poll of Americans found that one-third of people are living
with extreme stress. A national survey by the American Psychological
Association found that money and work are the stressors listed
most frequently.”
“In response to national and state regulations, NBIMC’s
Behavioral Health Department is transitioning its model of care
to one of Wellness and Recovery, which is more holistic and client-centered,” says
Jennifer Gardner, MS, OTR/L, who is coordinating the Department’s
efforts during this transition. “It is important for all
of us to consider the wellness tools that keep us emotionally,
mentally and physically well. Reflecting on our signs and triggers
of stress helps us to develop these wellness tools.”
Identifying
Your Stress
Are you experiencing signs of stress?
- no
longer taking pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable
- finding
even simple things difficult to accomplish
- feeling
distracted, on edge, frustrated or annoyed, having less patience
- having
a change in eating habits, either eating more or less than usual
- sleeping
more than usual (can't get out of bed) or having difficulty getting
to sleep (too many things on your mind)
- having
normal emotions that are displayed to an extreme degree or for
a prolonged period of time (e.g., fear, tearfulness, nervousness)
- marked
changes in personality or mood
- feeling
listlessness, lack of energy
- having
trouble concentrating or making decisions
- feeling
high levels of irritability, or displaying aggressive behavior
- using
alcohol or other drugs to relieve stress
Tips
to Reduce Stress
Four useful techniques for responding calmly are:
- Relaxing:
Set aside a period each day, even 15 minutes, to do nothing but
relax.
- Exercising: When
your body is in a healthy condition, your mind and emotions also
benefit. Exercise can also cause the release endorphins into
your blood stream, giving you an overall sense of well-being.
- Time
out: Stopping the activity, removing yourself from the
situation or counting to ten is the simplest approach to stress.
- Breathing:
Whenever you are stressed, use your breathing to help calm yourself
down. Take a deep breath and let it go out completely.
- Progressive
muscle relaxation: This technique, of relaxing your muscles
one at a time, helps reduce muscle tension that can lead to
headaches, back pain, and muscle pulls.
- Thought-stopping.
This is a technique for dealing with stress that comes from your
own negative feelings. When you have negative thoughts, visual
them being trapped in a box.
Mental
Health Matters in Your Life
If you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, do not let the situation
go unchecked. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center behavioral health
services include multiple levels of care, including highly specialized
medical care for clients who require it. All programs are led by
a multidisciplinary staff of experienced professionals with advanced
training and certification in all facets of behavioral health.
You can reach the Behavioral Health Department
at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center by calling (973) 926-7416.
Date: May 11, 2009
Contact: Caren Malone
Public Relations Department
Saint Barnabas Health Care System
973-322-4017
cmalone@sbhcs.com
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