Continuous stress can pull you down to the point of no return – stress management will keep you grounded

Stress and Depression

Stress and depression together make a lethal combination. Both put an individual on the path of destruction. While stress is all around us, depression is generally to be found within. For people who have almost never come face to face with stress and depression, feel that 'it is all in the mind.' This is a huge myth, because both these problems are very much a reality. In fact, heightened stress and depression manifest in people in the form of a variety of other debilitating symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Back ache
• Muscle cramps
• Exhaustion
• Loss of appetite
• Increase in appetite
• Sleeplessness
• Hypertension
• Loss of sex drive

Dismissing stress and depression as being "all in the mind" may simplify the issue for people with a complete lack of understanding about these problems. As a matter of fact, these symptoms cause somewhat of a chain reaction in the body which makes it very difficult for sufferers to perform their routine daily chores. Cause for much anguish to sufferers, stress and depression, can become to unmanageable that medical attention may be required.

Stress management

Stress can affect both the body and the mind, leading to tiredness, sickness, lack of concentrate or the inability to think clearly. Stress may even lead to mental breakdown.

Life is full of demands and stress is an inevitable part of it. Response to stress is dependent on the autonomous nervous system and calming the nerves is an art that can be acquired with little outside help. Learning the art of relaxation can transform our lives and increase our energy and efficiency levels. Stress management primarily depends on:

• Understanding what stress is
• What causes stress?
• Its effects on the human body
• How to avoid stress?

It is important to learn the art of positive stress management and this comes from a well balanced lifestyle backed up relaxation techniques which include:

• Stepping back from the stressing situation
• Using good breathing techniques to your advantage
• Mental relaxation
• Eating a well balanced diet in moderation
• Trying not to be perfect
• Thinking positive at all times

Moreover, effective stress management also comes from:

• Identifying own stress triggers
• Adopting techniques that work for you
• Being aware of your symptoms of stress
• Accepting yourself the way you are
• Taking timely action to tackle your problems
• Looking after yourself physically and mentally
• Being positive, whatever the situation

Stress relief treatment

The first step in stress relief treatment would be to identify the cause of the stress. It may sometimes come from a known source or sometimes it may become extremely difficult to put a finger to the cause. Therefore, stress treatment will almost always start with stress prevention. Removing yourself from the source of stress can help you address the situation; respite from the source of stress can help relieve it.

However, if the source remains unidentified, you can always discuss your situation with your well-wishers. If stress still exists then you may have to talk to your doctor or a mental health counselor. Treatment varies with the symptoms you illustrate. Treatment may involve simple reassurance to inpatient care and evaluation. In addition you may have to undergo:

• Careful workup and evaluation
• Regular exercise program
• Constant reassurance
• Biofeedback
• Counseling if required
• Medical intervention for physical problems