The ways in which physical symptoms of stress are managed can make a world of difference on its impacts both mentally and physically. Symptoms of stress are believed to be connected to many of today's health problems including hypertension, cancer, ulcers, lower back pain, neck pain and headaches. Stress seems to be more prevalent on work days and during the holidays. Symptoms of stress are not always obvious in children and youth, but can have a huge effect on their lives. Many adults don't realize that there attitudes towards life can create many stressful situations for children. So parents need to be careful not to let your child feel your stressful situation, so they don't take on these emotions themselves.
Dealing with Stress in our Everyday Lives
Stress is a very normal part of life and in most cases it can be dealt with without the assistance of a healthcare practitioner. Stress has a tendency to take its toll on our immune system and studies have shown that people under more stress are more likely to get sick, much quicker and more often. It has been proven that stress can cause a number of psychological problems such as depression, eating disorders and insomnia. If you are dealing with any of these problems that you may want to consider a stress management class which helps with recognizing the symptoms of stress, identifying the cause/causes, taking action to address the cause/causes and thereby reduce the symptoms where necessary. You can take these simple steps to help alleviate the symptoms until the underlying cause/causes have been addressed.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very strong stress reaction that can develop in people after a traumatic event happens and changes their lives. For some people, the symptoms of PTSD begin soon after the trauma, but others have a delayed response. Whether it occurs right after the trauma or later on, PTSD has certain characteristic symptoms that usually develop within 3 months of the traumatic event. Many people with PTSD have nightmares, flashbacks, or disturbing mental images about the trauma. Many people with PTSD feel numb or detached causing them to look at themselves, other people and the world differently. PTSD usually doesn't just go away on its own; it typically requires some help from a mental health professional (such as psychologists, psychiatrists or counselor) for help. People of any age can develop PTSD including kids and teens. So if you notice anything strange with your child, make sure to get them to a doctor right away.
Anxiety
Anxiety related stress is the physical 'condition' caused by environmental pressures such as work, illness or death. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and foods high in sugar as these all increase anxiety and give the body temporary "highs" only to be followed by periods of weakness. Children and adolescents who are stressed may show signs of emotional problems, aggressive behavior, shyness, anxiety, and fear in social situations. Many students claim that stress and anxiety often led to plagiarism, sleep deprivation, and test anxiety, so for help they turned to tutors, therapists, caffeine, and sometimes even prescription pills. Chronic stress can cause increased susceptibility to infection, sleep disturbances, headaches and muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, as well as depression and anxiety.
The sources and symptoms of stress are unique to each individual and there is not a cure all pills that eliminates health risks. However, some of the symptoms of stress are very similar to those of depression so people should seek assistance from a physician if symptoms of stress so they can be diagnosed properly. Too often the symptoms of stress are ignored, until they result in high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, or depression.