Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. During this time, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. Stress, whether physical, mental or emotional, can affect every aspect of your life. While stress is a part of life, when individuals cannot set boundaries or find healthy ways to cope with their stress, it can cause physical and mental health complications.
Stress and Somatic Symptom Disorder
Our mental health is tightly connected to our physical health in ways that oftentimes go unnoticed. Mental health disorders expressed by physical symptoms are known as somatic disorders. According to the DSM-5, Somatic Symptom Disorder refers to one or more persistent bodily symptoms, such as aches or pains, that either distress or cause significant disruption to one’s daily life. An individual is often given this label after they have seen their physician. The physician may realize that the patient is excessively preoccupied with their symptoms, because those given this label are likely to be disproportionately anxious about what they are feeling.
Stress and Conversion Disorder
Conversion disorder is another somatic disorder characterized by a persistent change in motor or sensory function. Specific symptoms vary and can include weakness, paralysis, trouble with swallowing, unusual speech, numbness, unusual sensory problems or a mixture of symptoms. Some individuals experience an acute version of conversion disorder that lasts only a few days or less.
Tips to Lower Stress
These four simple tips can help you deal with stress and manage unhealthy habits.
1. Stay positive
Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
2. Meditate
This practice of inward-focused thought and deep breathing has been shown to reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Meditation’s close relatives, yoga and prayer, can also relax the mind and body.
3. Exercise
Every time you are physically active, whether you take a walk or play tennis, your body releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins. Exercising not only melts away stress, it also protects against heart disease by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your heart muscle and helping you maintain a healthy weight.
4. Unplug
It’s impossible to escape stress when it follows you everywhere. Cut the cord. Avoid emails and TV news. Take time each day, even if it’s for just 10 or 15 minutes, to take the edge off your stress. Simple things, like a warm bath, listening to music or spending time on a favorite hobby, can give you a much-needed break from the stressors in your life.
If you or someone you know needs support when it comes to stress, we are here to help at Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program. Contact us today.
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