Dealing With Stress
Stress means different things to different people, and each person handles stress differently. You may feel a lot of stress as you try to cope with your loved one’s mental illness on top of the needs of the other members of the household.
Stress can cause physical and emotional problems that affect your health, well-being, peace of mind, and your personal and professional relationships. Some suggestions for reducing or controlling stress include:
- Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by certain activities, learn to say no. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle.
- Don’t try to be superhuman. Don’t expect yourself or others to be perfect. And don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
- Meditate. Ten to 20 minutes of quiet reflection each day may bring relief and increase your resistance to the effects of chronic stress.
- Visualize. Picture how you could manage a stressful situation more successfully.
- Do one thing at a time. Pick one urgent task, and take up the next one only after you finish the first.
- Exercise. Twenty to 30 minutes of physical activity several times a week benefits both the body and the mind.
- Share your feelings. Find love, support and guidance from friends and loved ones. Don’t try to cope alone.
- Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to have unrealistic expectations of the person who is ill or of other members of the household, who also are likely to be stressed.
- Seek professional help when you need it. Your doctor, spiritual advisor or employee assistance professional may be good resources for how to reduce your stress. They also may be able to suggest a professional counselor who can help you learn to cope.
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