How do I deal with stress?

[soonny]

I heard there are many ways of stress manifesting themselves. For most people they feel anxious and restless, and sometimes pimples appear. Yet for me, I get headaches, stomach cramps, diarhorea, insomnia, etc. How do I make myself stop feeling that way!?

[andy hughes]

If your symptoms are physical, then you need some treatment. have a word with your GP about a short course of ani-depressants. If the idea worries you, remember that vast advances have been made in this area of medecine, and modern treatments are far more subtle and sophisticated (and non-addictive!) than they were years ago. You may need a short course while you get over this stage, but do talk to your GP about it, and get some appropriate treatment organised. Suffering these symptoms will only exacerbate your condition, so break the chain now. This coniditon is extremely common, and your GP will be able to sort you out quickly and easily. Just one word or warning - if you do take tablets, snd you feel better, don't stop suddenly, reduce gradually, to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Good luck.

[David H]

I know what you mean. In my case I found the best thing to do was to find all the things that stressed me, and try not to do as many as possible. By the age of 40 I felt it was time to please myself and not do what others wanted me to just to keep them happy, if it didn't keep me happy. If everyone did this the level of stress would go down drastically everywhere. I did also go on a course of tablets for a year or two which helped the symptoms a lot, but don't need them now.

[nedflanders]

Try to relaxing things like take long baths. exercise and do thingsthat you want to do. ps. anti depressants ARE very addictive. Seroxat is meant to be extremely bad fir this.

[andy hughes]

I wouldn't wish to contradict Ned on the subject of anti-depressant addiction, but I reiterate that the increases in science have meant that the 'sledgehammer / nut' style of giving 20mg of Valium to counteract mild anxiety attacks have long gone. Modern medication can be fond to suit each individual, and if used correctly, is not addictive. As i said, speak to your GP, who will reassure you, and prescribe for you as an individual.

[soonny]

Thanks so much everyone. But is there anyway I could fix this without using drugs? Like David would've done, he'd identify all his stressors and do less of it. Well my type of stress are more like the inevitable. For example my exams? I find myself readng more in the toilet due to my tummy... ouch.

[David H]

If it's the unavoidable like exams, firstly plan all the essays etc you want to do in advance and don't wait to compose them once you see the questions, but answer the ones which use the closest to the prepared essays where possible and adapt them. There are thousands of meditations and relaxation exercises you can do, and if you like one in particular stick with it. Obviusly check there's nothing medical causing the symptoms as well. Good luck.

[tracymort]

Ever since i remember stress goes to my gut and now I have IBD so i really have to not get stressed. So far i'm finding reiki, yoga, letting my fiance open the bills and not talking to my mum is helping!

[tracymort]

I forgot if i had the money i'd also try biofeedback and NLP too. Heard thats really good.

[norfolk boy]

Well soonny unfortunately there is no simple answer,if there was i would be a very rich man.Stress is the bodys way of saying the situation is more than you can cope with.Apart from getting drunk (i always sleep well then)you need to write on a peice of paper what your worrys are then address each of them logically, if possible speak to an older friend who can give you different solution to your worrys.Theres never truer words spoken than " A problem shared is a problem halved.

[anthomson]

I decided the drugs prescriped to me really only tackled the symptoms and not the underlying cause. To reduce stress, I try to release that I cannot do everything. I prioritise and do the important stuff first - so if I don't get round to the ironing then, well, I just wear wrinkled clothes. For aniexty, I try to avoid worrying about things that are really out of my control. Stay focused on your own life and responsabilities. And having lots of hobbies & interests also helps. If you busy doing enjoyable, positive and healthy interests then you just don't have the time to worry.

[Crazy_pratt]

Well to be honest, the root causes of your stress must be delt with, the main cause is actually a negative attitude, this must be dealt with on a lighter level, choose to think positive, I am a christian also and i find God to be a great help, Christianity saves everyone who becomes one, but people know little about it, God rids me of my stress, so i put Trust in God at the top alongside a positive attitude, God does exist, it is provable to all people! Next i would take more air and do more deep breathing, this helps immensely, take a herbal remedy such as rhidiola root which really does help, do exercise, drink more water, get more rest, try to have a sense of self-control and eat properly with vitamin B5 and B6 useful for stress, this is all common sense and by me going to be a naturopath, i wont do what a doctor would do, suppress the symptoms with drugs, but rather look at restoring health and managing stress! Removing the underlying cause, prevention better than cure, prevention of stress in the first place and looking at the whole person- Mind, body and spirit not just at illness! Everything in moderation aswell, these are are called holistic principles and they work! God bless xx

[soonny]

Well I get what you mean... A negative attitude. I just can't seem to break this viscious cycle! I get sick because I know I won't do good, and I don't do good because I'm sick all the time! Damn...

[papia]

Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress, dietary and medical problems. By making small lifestyle changes like having a fixed daily routine, relaxing and eating properly, insomnia can be cured. I found the information at http://tinyurl.com/jfzpz useful for getting sleep.