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If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.
One day after I was asked to do six things at once, I "Googled" the word "stress." Guess what? 234,000,000, yes, million, citations erupted on my laptop. This is not funny. So, what can we do about a pandemic engulfing each of us?
Welcome to our stress blog community, where I have the privilege to hear from fellow travelers and share some of my experiences in dealing with stress. We learn from each other.
With cell phones, Blackberries, Palms, Treos, email, iPods, Wi Fi, it seems there is no place to hide.
Story: While at a farmer's market last week, I visited with an acquaintance, late 40s, who walked with a limp. "What happened?" I asked. She told me her groin was sore at site of a recent cardiac angiogram, which showed 90 percent blockage of five, yes, five arteries in the heart. Bypass successful. Told to get off the corporate treadmill or she will be dead from stress-induced issues. Her family can hand out all of her professional publications at the wake.
So ... what can we learn from this woman? How do any of us survive the current techno-tsunami? We are all in the same boat and it is called the Titanic.
Here is what I try to do each day:
So, what do each of you do to achieve "emotional buoyancy" or let's call it resiliency?
Please, share your thoughts and stories.
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
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Join the discussion at #Stress.
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Thanks for this post. I think we all need to be reminded to take a little time each day to reflect on our lives and be grateful for what we have. So much of our health depends upon mental well being.
My mom just passed away Oct.9. We knew it would happen. I was her caretaker for the past 10 yrs. or so. I miss her so much. It still doesn't seem real. I am 50 and realizing I am grateful that mom knew her grandkids & great grandkids. Where do I go from here? I think I know. I have a good support system but I don't want to rush and act like I feel okay when I don't. This is hard........
My husband 88Yrs & oldest daughter -64 passed away 6 months apart, we were married 66yrs --& I have 7 other grown lovely children--they take good care of me -but I still miss the 2 I lost- I still play golf & knit for hospitals--it's going on 2 yrs but I still miss them --I do go to Mayo-& love it Thanks
Some years ago, I was introduced to the idea of creating my own bag of comforters. My first comforting thing was to make soup from scratch, the next one I thought of was putting on the music I loved when I was in my youth, another one is to get down beside my bed like a child and ask my Higher Power for help, I sometimes go down and walk along the shore, sometimes I sing out loud all by myself in the car, and, I write down what is going on inside of me...it helps lessen the stress if I just say what it is I am stressing about and how it feels. Sometimes I lift these little weights I have until I feel weary. Sometimes my comfort is to read from books that mean a lot to me....encouraging books. Another comforting thing is to call my best buddy and tell her I am feeling spun.
Blogging should really take off steam for stressed individuals. Not only because it would preoccupy one with an activity but also because writing results in organized approach to problem solving/ decision making. Through the writing process, some of the stress factors are resolved. Here is the optimal stress arousal curve that shows where one needs to be when it comes to managing daily stress.
I have been dealing with a lot of stress in my life lately. I have to have surgery on my left knee for a meniscus tear, I have to have a total knee replacement on my right knee, my 11 year old son needs to have eye surgery because he has double vision, I worry that I will lose my job and my health inssurance. Stress at work does not help either, we have had two pay-cuts, and have taken on more responsibilities. Every week in our production meetings we are told we need more work and I am already overwhelmed with what I am already working on. I have high blood pressure and my cholesterol is high due to poor eeating habits. I find that playing very loud music with a major drum beat on my one hour drive home helps relieve some stress. I have also found that by adding weight lifting to my workout routine has helped relieve some stress. I have also found that taking supplements has helped with my stress. I have started taking fiber pills and herbal prooducts. I have started taking two products, Rosavin Plus and S.R.C. I have noticed that I feel less anxious and have more energy. The stress is still in my life, but since starting the supplements, I have felt more at ease with what myself and my family is going through. I have also found that MayoClinic.com always has great information and I have always visited the site when I have any medical issues that the doctor just does not explain well enough. Thank you MayoClinic.com
My best friend of 27 years died the week before Thanksgiving. I was numb for 2 weeks, with many sleep problems. Then I really grieved for 2 months, with frequent sadness and an even more pronounced scatter-brain. I believe I'm through it now, although I didn't know much about grief before and even now. I've been reading some things recently, including this website, and they help. I will always talk about Larry and look forward to meeting him again in heaven. I am too lazy to exercise regularly, but need to redouble my efforts. I was and still am very open with brothers and sisters in Christ about Larry's death, with strangers, and even with a therapist at the employee assistance program (the only facet of my grieving that did nothing at all for me.) I have cried for Larry, my doctor thought I might get depression again (I had it for 45 years, until the Holy Spirit cured me 19 months ago), and I went through some of the purported stages that Dr. Kubler-Ross mentioned. I have moved on. A friend is going to do a 12-week grief recovery workshop, but I can't afford the money or time and don't think I need it. I have done the exact opposite of trying to pretend that Larry didn't die or isolate myself. Now, to the exercise regimen...
I find writing things down helps me. Just reflecting on a daily or regular basis helps me put things into perspective, and a good starting point where I use as a jumping board to keep going and improve.. It seriously helps...
Try a Life Guidance Coach, they can teach you techniques and help mold a plan for success just for you.
I'm drowing in stress, My mom and her bf are fighing EVERY NIGHT, so I have to run to the car with the key's! I still come back to check on my mom though, and she yell's get back to the car. But, then we fight too!
She tell's me she wishes I would have died in my car wreck, that she had a different daughter, that i'm NOT her daughter even though i am!
Also, my granmal HATES me, when i went too foster care she said NO to having me, and my dad left me after my car wrck when i was 4! Plus my bf is in a mental hospial, right by my school, because he tried to kill himself
:(.... I wish I could fix everything but i can't!
I m trying to deal with panic and anxiety attacks and even though logically I know the right things to do, when it comes to applying these steps to reality, at the moment of onset, I just have not been successful in applying these techniques. It has effected my work however, it also has strengthened my marriage. My husband is supportive because he can see how hard I try to get a crip. Hopefully very, very soon!
Billy When I'm stressed I stop what I'm doing and then I pray.I know that God is working in my life and He will not give me any situation that i can't handle.Knowing that He is there for me is a comfort that is very calming and my stress just melts away.
I came across this blog, looking for help with my grief. My husband died of suicide 1 month ago, after years of acute back pain and Rhuematoid Arthritis. He was the most amazing man I had ever met. We were married 27 years, but the physical pain the last 5, was more than he could physically and mentally take. He'd had 4 back surgeries, and numerous procedures done. He was only 51 years old. I just miss him so much, that I wonder how to even go on. How do others get through this? I have faith in God, and I know he's in heaven and I'll see him again, someday. Still the stress in unbearable and I wonder how to live a life without him in it.
One thing to remember, always pay big attention to your physical condition as it's always has an impact on your psychological condition also. Good eating habits, sleeping, exercising is really important for you to feel well. Here are some more tips on fighting your stress: http://hubpages.com/hub/15-immaterial-gifts-for-yourself
My dad died almost 2 weeks ago he was in his 80's but have not talked to him or my mother in 2yrs, due to my mother said she did not want to talk to me anymore and my brother and his wife were telling lies about my family and my son & his wife also were in on it, so 2 yrs ago I said enough I cant take all the lies and stories about me & my husband due to my son had a baby born with cancer and my sons wife's family condemed us for not being there as we work, not retired as them and self employed, we were called every name you can think of so thats how it started and then 2weeks ago my dad died and no one could call me so I could say good bye to him, he was in a nursing home prior to 2 mo ago from this date,We did go to his funeral I am the only one who sent flowers and his death notice I was not even mention as his daughter, so I put my own death notice in for my dad from his daughter I know my dad loved me cuz those were his last words to me as mine to him due to my mother, brother & his wife - of 2 yrs ago. Andwhen I seen my mother at the funeral I gave her a hug as to my brother also, and I took a 2 roses and gave each one to them from me & my dad to them, and all my brother life's to short where you been REALLY" I have tried to call my mother but when I say mom its me she hangs up the phone and I heard she does no twant anything to do with me, Its just very sad that people get greedy and dont care about the person or life for that matter.
I recently had to do an essay on humor and how it impacts our daily lives as human beings. I found that humor is a great way to help be a relief for stress. It's a way people can just sit down and take their minds off of whatever is bothering them. Stress is not worth getting the body sick over, so just try and relax and let the body cope with the stress in a calm mind.
Live one day at a time.
Invite humor.
Take care of yourself.
Love more.
I have read parts of this site and I find it very interesting as well. It is good to know that everyone takes their part and shares it to the world.
In dealing with stress, one has to always think that life is more meaningful if we were able to manage it very well. Do not let it destroy you.
There are a lot of nice things that you will learn about the internet. I have once tried and was successful in finding solutions to my problems. Dealing with stress was one of them. Im glad that I belong to this era of cyber space. Lots of ideas could be helpful you wil just have to know how to find them.
There could be other types of approaches that has to be considered in battling the serious effects of stress. And not all of those can be sujbect to medications that might harm our physical body. It can be mind over matter approach which can give a great help somehow.
Every suggestion given boils down to putting the onus on the victim to solve their own problem. It's so simplistic. PTSD is not a psychiatric disorder. It's a normal human reaction to overwhelming trauma, and to treat it like some psychiatric disorder stigmatizes the victim. Inaccurately considered a mental illness, PTSD results from harm from without - not an internal psychological weakness or low tolerance for trauma. Others' tolerance levels differ - a person can suffer numerous major losses or assaults and only break under the damage when it comes from betrayal of a close, trusted source. Also, it is commonly presumed that the expression of PTSD is universal - not so. There's a complete spectrum from "going postal" to shutting down. It's commonly assumed that the victim (and the word is chosen purposefully) simply isn't trying hard enough, praying enough, meditating enough, whatever, depending on individual prejudices. It's assumed that those with PTSD are only compliant with therapy using antidepressants; however, most currently prescribed antidepressants make night terrors MORE vivid, and dramatically exacerbate the effects of PTSD. Also, there is little if anything written about treatment of PTSD if the victim is alone and has no network of "close, caring family and/or friends". There's an important reason for this: the actual only effective treatment is hands-on, presence, reliable, ongoing, dedicated compassion. Victims who've been abandoned? They
Great post about stress, frankly when i googled about the keyword "stress" it really is too much topic that's around the internet for some time now. You've got simple. but great tips on how you will deal with stress.
A person with no cholesterol can have heart problems?
It is amazing how ofter we're asked to multitask when it's been proven to be LESS effective than "single-tasking".
This is ironic, but I have found that blogging about my day at work is the best stress relief - and hopefully my post helps someone who may have experienced the same thing.
I would sincerely like to share our blog with your readers, if that is okay with you. I think they would find it useful, and I'm happy to write about comments recommended to me as well.
www.nostresswork.com - today's topic is about whether or not you can be "friends" with your co-workers -- and all the stress related to that topic.
The office can be a stressful place!
I just came across this blog while looking for information on surviving suicide. I recieved a call this afternoon that the man I was in love with was found dead this morning. I had ended our relationship last week after realizing he had a serious addicition to pain medications, due to chronic pain from a bad hip. He had hip replacement surgery two months ago and was doing so great, but continued to take the same amount of pain pills. The wonderful man I fell in love with became someone I didn't even recognize. He started neglegting his appearance, I would find him passed out on the couch in the middle of the night. I found alcohol bottles in the trash (I don't drink) I tried for two months to get him to seek help. I feel guilty, that ending the relationship pushed him over the edge. He was a wonderrful man with alot of demons, from his alcoholic father to his divorce several yearrs ago. I am grief sticken, angry, and feel guilty all at the same time. I feel like I caused it. I tried so hard to get him to seek professional help. He was only 59 yrs old, had alot of great years ahead of him.
These days in difficult times leave many people overworked and stressed out. And we can all say we feel that way whether in school or at work. Notice this note that can help us cope with our work effort in our daily life. Found in the bible at Ecclesiastes 4:6 it reads, "Better is a handful of rest than double a handful of work and striving after the wind." Meaning there are ways of balancing work, family, and relaxation.
This is to "no name given." I too was at the end of my rope healthwise. I wasn't sleeping well, sometimes having totally sleepless nights. One evening, after I had a sleepless night, my dear nutritionist friend from Chicago and asked me how I was doing. She then informed me about some tests I needed to take to address my sleep issuues. She then put me on a vitamin and mineral program which has cured my sleep issues by about 95% and has elevated my mood and eliminated depression. God id out there, "no name given". He is hearing your plea. Barbara A. C'ry Depression, Celebrate Recovery." coming out very soon.
While listening to the radio a few months ago, I learned some interesting facts. Stress unit statistics are up due to increased use of technology.
Can I ever relate to that! Just yesterday, both of my mainline phones crashed. Since I run an in home business, the phones are important to me. My computer served notice that I had one day left on my anti-virus protection. I didn't have time to address that and I worried about someone getting access to my bank information.
In addition, while vacuuming, the vacuum cleaner sucked up all the wiring to one of the phones and it took me twenty minutes to get the phone out of the vacuum cleaner! I didn't see the wires on the floor.
I was nearly in tears. Fortunately, I'm acquainted with mind centering techniques and was able to get back in focus. Barbara A "Cry Depression, Celebrate Recovery" coming, coming, coming out soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the 25th of September I was told that I was going to be a father. I was so excited because ever since i was a little kid I knew that I ve wanted to be a father. I mean I even practiced some token fatherly lines. And promised myself over and over again that i wouldnt do all of the things that my dad did.....
Well, on September 26th I was told that my son was dead. And in the coldest way possible, I mean there was no feeling behind it. I have been going over and over in my head why such an innocent being was just taken from this earth and me. I for once felt that I actually did something right. He was my greatest accomplishment!!!! Im still really messed up over all of this Im surprised that i even got this far
One of the great stressors in our country is the death of a loved one by suicide. I have written about survivors of family suicides since 1987 (SILENT GRIEF: Living in the Wake of Suicide.) I continue to do so today (BLUE GENES, my memoir, came out last year); I feel for the 8,000,000 or so survivors alive in America today. But I am always startled to see that there is STILL shame and guilt about suicide; that we don't see how much the SURVIVOR deserves to be attended to -- not simply because he or she may also die by suicide, but because 8,000,000 angry, guilty, ashamed survivors, many with physical and emotional problems, are a burden on themselves, their children, their co-workers, and the country. The suicide of a loved one can lead to PTSD in survivors. 32,000 suicides a year is bad enough. 8,000,000 survivors is horrendous. More attention needs to be given to the survivors.
Keep holding on Doug. I love you brother. You are not alone. When it gets really hard hold on tighter.
I have seen 55 years worth of life. Lately I find it hard to help those in need. A friend who lost her only sibling to sucide. One sibling whose husband of 17 yeasr is doing 20 years for child porn. The lady who got her face and hands torne off by a chimp and cant see or feel or raise her beautiful teen daughter. Deep Deep in our soul we must know that God is in charge. He never promised to show us his plan, he just promised us He has one. Holding on tighter...
A couple of years ago I faced a personal situation that left me with physical and emotional stress that I couldn't identify and cope with. It took me some time and a couple of visits to the doctor without any relief for me to realize that it was all in my mind - a kind of anticipated anxiety disorder. Even the slightest of pain or discomfort would make me imagine that something was drastically wrong with me. I became more assertive at work when I faced situations where I felt that people were pushing me too far. I learnt to say "NO". I learnt to make fewer realistic goals and set targets for myself that I knew I could reach. I became aware of my strengths and weaknesses and avoided situations that could affect my physical and mental wellbeing. Along with all these I evolved a simple fitness programme that was easy to follow. I developed newer hobbies like playing word games, sudoku to keep the mind active. I love music and reading and the outdoors so that too helped a lot. Today I can recognize or deal with a situation before it gets out of hand. Sometimes we stand in the present and fail to realize or see the good about us. The mind gets tuned to see only the negative which is very bad. There is innate good in everything and if you learn to cultivate good emotions and good habits you will surround yourself with a peaceful, calm environment. You should be in control of your life and never let anyone or anything take away that control.
I have been reading your blog as I have been suffering with stress of late. While surfing the other blogs I can across a company dealing with stress management called Health wise global I feel that this site complements what is written on this blog so I highly recommended it if you are finding it hard dealing with stress, along with this blog. The site is extremely educational and their programs a very effective. i just want to tall all of those suffering with stress that it can be managed effectively. Keep up the good work
I moved to a new location two years ago,I hate my home, I miss all my friends and family. My awesome dog got ran over, then my mother died. Fortunately I had a beautiful son, but I am a stay at home dad with a one year old who can't stay out of anything, and constantly needs attention. On top of this my two older brothers have had heartattacks in the last four months, causing me worry. Then to top all of this off my best friend of 25 years died in an accident. Enough!
Apparently this isn't a very active blog....hello, is anyone out there???!!???
I've recently started to experience extreme stress due to a situation in my neighborhood involving individuals who are pursuing a right-of-way through our property. These people vandalize the property of others, and are genuinely toxic. I am personally unable to adequately handle the stress of being around the people, and have noticed the effect on my physical well-being (can't sleep, heart races, elevated blood pressure). The problem worsens now that spring and summer arrived, as these people are outdoors often, and running into them is inevitable. I'm looking for any advice/coping strategies anyone can offer. I know some people are able to just ignore unpleasant people and situations, but unfortunatley I'm not one of them. I'm hoping that I don't have to move out of the neighborhood to find relief. Any tips to cope with this situation would be appreciated.
This blog is very helpful, thank you. I'm 16, and like right now I'm going through plenty of stress (college, grades, and all the teenage stuff). But lately I've been sleeping like a lot. I sleep the 8 hrs recommended, and I still fall asleep at school for 2 hrs and go home and sleep another 2 hrs, making a total of 12 hrs. Plus, I have these moments were I can't breathe, I feel dizzy, my arms feel numb, to the point of actually hurting. I can't move from where I am, and sometimes I might just be sitting at the computer, listening to music or reading.
A doctor told me that it was stress related, and just to relax, but I find it very difficult. Is it weird to sleep that much and to go through those high anxiety moments like every 2-3 months? I don't know, just thought I through it out there, and see if anyone responds.
Stress is such a gigantic factor in everything from ability to heal from illness to actually causing illness if left unchecked. We owe it to ourselves to de-stress and be self aware. So we can be the best we can be for ourselves, our families and our communities. Thanks for the article.
Thank you for this blog. I have enjoyed reading it. I'm going through a divorce right now and feel as though I'm at the height of stress. I am trying to get very active again and use exercise to help de-stress. I tried yoga, but it made me very sad. I just spent all my time thinking about my breakup. One thing that has helped is a book that a friend of mine recently turned me on to. It's called "It Can Be Done!" by Lisa Buldo. She talks about, among other things, how to get a hold of stress, such as deep breathing. She also says that when you're stressed, you don't properly digest your food. I never knew this. But she gives tips to help you properly eat/digest. If you're interested, you can check it out at http://www.lisabuldo.com/. Thanks again for this helpful blog!
Stress is one of the most misunderstood parts of our lives. A little is good-not only is it important for keeping us safe, but also for motivating us and helping us be more creative. But the unrelenting stress many of us deal with, especially in today's economic climate, can be devastating to our health.
For some great, (and free) hassle-free and drug free stress reduction tips, including funny videos, relaxing positions, and stress information from Stanford researcher Robert Sapolsky, visit my website: http://www.squidoo.com/stressreductionsimplified
is anybody out there????
I had another experience yesterday where I experience a crisis and then spiral downward. In the past would've taken me 3 days to come out of it but thanks to Lexapro I can recover much more quickly. Anyone else have this experience?
I could go on about this for a while, but here are two quick thoughts to consider.
1) When you're happy you're not stressed. The best ways to be happy are:
A) self-expression: opportunities for you to be you. unchecked. uncensored. just you doing something that comes to you naturally.
B) self-care: doing things that rejuvenate your physical, emotional, spiritual well-being. Could be better sleep, exercise, vacation, saying 'no'.
2) While there are many ways to reduce stress, not enough focus is placed at the root of it - our agitation that our situation isn't the way we want it to be.
Stress is also created by negative emotions - whether they be loneliness, anger, frustration, depression, etc. These negative thoughts and emotions have an effect on our heart rhythms and also trigger a cascade of 1400 physical & chemical reactions. It's important to note it's a different chain of events than when we engage in positive emotions.
What do you do to take the stress out of a "heated" situation as it's happening? Lots of people rely on going for a walk, or watching t.v. or listening to music. In the meantime, until you can do what you need to do to unwind, your body is still going through that cascade that I mentioned earlier. The techniques I teach are do-able in the moment - you don't have to ask the surgeon to wait to perform surgery until you've gone for your walk to calm down! (I used these techniques and sailed through all 4 surgeries in 2006.)
One to two minutes can make a huge difference in how you feel & respond emotionally, mentally and physically. In fact, people don't even have to know that you're doing the techniques!
Biologically, stress is fear. It takes fear to activate the stress response. Chronic stress means our brains are wired for fight of flight, aka stress, aka a fearful attitude. Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience has found that attitude is neuroplastic, meaning a shift in attitude rewires our brains. (Davidson, 2003; Segal, Mayberg, 2002, Schwartz 1987). We can transcend a life of stress, once and for all, by cultivating a dynamically peaceful attitude. It restores brain chemistry and function to its absolute best. So I work on making the psychological shift from fear to peace in the boot camp of every day life. I have a written a book on how to do it. It is called Mystic Cool, which Simon and Schuster will publish next spring. Don Joseph Goewey
Biologically, stress is fear. It takes fear to activate the stress response. Chronic stress means our brains are wired for fight of flight, aka stress, aka a fearful attitude. Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience has found that attitude is neuroplastic, meaning a shift in attitude rewires our brains. (Davidson, 2003; Segal, Mayberg, 2002, Schwartz 1987). We can transcend a life of stress, once and for all, by cultivating a dynamically peaceful attitude. It restores brain chemistry and function to its absolute best. So I work on making the psychological shift from fear to peace in the boot camp of every day life. I have a written a book on how to do it. It is called Mystic Cool, which Simon and Schuster will publish next spring.
Don Joseph Goewey
Having survived cancer treatment in 1990 when I was only 23 and going on to have two more miracle babies having had my treatment in america I am from UK i always wanted to come back to florida and be thankful for what america had donefor me. We had an affluent life in UK and have to give up a lot to come here but I thought it would be a better life for our family and our health and our future, little did I know what it would take to get a visa arrive in the worst recession possible and possibly lose everything we have worked for. The stress is untold in our situation, I thought I would cope better having had my life threatened but in fact it is worse for me than any other member of our family. I have had countless sessions of therapy when I was sick but what is happening now is not an illness although it feels like my cancer again because it is something I cannot control, its the feeling of being out of control is what we all struggle to deal with, I thought I had control again how little did I know. I have been married for 25 years and we are still learning to deal with difficult situations I just hope that our children don't become too selfish the way everyone seems to be these days thinking of themselves only I will continue to read the comments are inspirational.
Our way of dealing is of course, the deep breath. After my husband was diagnosed with
multiple myeloma at the Mayo Clinic in March
2008, we decided to live as normal as possible even though this was not something that we wanted to hear. My husband has a very good sense of humor and we continuously make jokes about our situation. We are an older couple that have seen some hardships but this is the most stressful. As the wife, I use self-talk a lot and find that is very helpful. Going to a very quiet place and taking a very long walk by myself helps with the thoughts from the day. Being on guard to watch for the signs: body aches, which normally don't appear can be eliminated if you just stop long enough to think about what is causing those aches. I can 99% of the time figure out with some thought what is causing the problem and take the necessary action. Don't let the stress of the day build up and carry to the next. A fresh start is so necessary for a good day. Giving to him is the thing that keeps me going.
One of the things that I've learned about stress is that it's insidious - it can creep up on our lives and before we know it we've developed all sorts of side effects thanks to the 1400 chemical and physical events that take place with each stressful event.
I've learned and now coach people how to stop that stress response in the moment - some of those stress hormones stay in our bodies for up to 13 hours...and people wonder why they don't have a good sleep!
I sell a laptop or portable device which shows very quickly how our thoughts and feelings affect our heart rhythms and subsequently our health and sense of well-being.
We don't always have time to relax, go for a run, or do any of the other things that restore us, but what we can do is learn techniques to balance us in the moment.
Suffice to say that by using the educational technology and the techniques I now teach to others, my life has changed!!! And, that's a wonderful thing!
Thank you for bringing more attention to the topic of daily stress. I've written an article on 16 stress management techniques. Feel free to read. http://lifejelly.org/2008/05/05/ultimate-stress-relief-guide/
Stress is a national epidemic that needs to be controlled. Too bad children aren't taught how to effectively deal with stress and anxiety. Come to think of it, most adults aren't taught either until it's too late.
Tom Eng
Hey Cathy about the "stress eraser" gadget you asked... there is nothing with that exact name, but there's good news for you. There are these machines called biofeedback machines that record your body functions like you said. The results show on the screen and people are taught how to slow down their breathing in order to reduce their blood pressure and heart rate. The results are visible on the screen and the pacient learns how to use these bretahing excercises to "calm down" when stressed. Of course we can't COMPLETELY control our body functions but by applying breathing excercises we can do a decent job at it!
I have not read through all these blogs and I'm sure someone has asked this question. I'm 49 years old and feel like I have a form of social anxiety but I am not sure.Here are the signs, maybe all you out there that have it and are taking medication can tell me if it works and the best ones. I blush real easy, and because of this blushing I tend to avoid situations that may cause it.Most all my anxiety comes from this blushing problem. I avoid way to many things in my life because of this , especially events with bright lights. Help!!!
Feelings of stress can be very powerful but I believe the power of the mind is even more powerful.
Jaleh Donaldson
Author, Life's Little How To Book
I am not aware of a device called a "stress eraser." But am very open to learn from others who may know of this instrument. Thank you for asking about it.
Has anyone here ever heard of a little gadget called the Stress Eraser? It supposedly provides biofeedback to prompt the user to alter his/her breathing and shows the progress/changes on screen. Is this something worth investigating and purchasing? Has anyone here used it? What are its limitations? Thanks!
I`ve had health problems all my life.In H. S. became bedridden.Lumbar had two "tangerines".parents took me to doctors with no real luck.Parents were poor & couldn`t afford to take me anywhere else. Gov. told them to not even try to get disability for me. All "friends" departed Completely. I`m 46 now& both parents have died.Wish I had a support group & money like all the people who judge me. Don`t know what I`ll do. Just search& pray& hope a miracle comes before I`m on the street or dead. Hanging in there Just Barely.Does anyone have any non-critical words of wisdom? Been hanging in there, but at the end of my rope. P. S. Thanks for letting me have a voice! That alone alone has been Very therapeutic! God bless!
I`ve written before. Just wanted to add one thing. Thanks for letting me have a voice. That alone has been very therapeutic.God bless!
I`ve had health problem since elementary school("arthritic symptoms, chronic sinus infections, long 2 year bout of kidney infection,& seizures.)When I was in H.S. I became bed ridden.Someone said my sacroiliac joints were swollen up hard,"like tangerines". My parents took me to a couple ofdoctors. 1 said he`d think it was arthritis,but
"you`re too young for that." other said fibromyalgia& arthritis,but couldn`t say which form.Also"there`s nothing that can be done for it, anyway."Parents were poor& couldn`t take me anywhere else. Gov. person told them don`t even try to get her disability.All"friends" departed COMPLETELY.I`m now 46-last parent has died.Wish I had a support group& money like all the people who judge me.Don`t know what I`ll do.Just search& pray& hope a miracle comes before I`m on the street or dead.Hanging in there JUST BARELY.
Does anyone have some non-critical words of wisdom? Been hanging in there,but
I just saw an inspiring video regarding stress which I encourage others to watch. It has helped me and my family to better focus on our health.
Stress? I have subglottic stenosis and sure would like to talk to others who have this condition. I've had 3 surgeries for this so far. It is terrible being so short of breath. Mine is idiopathic, no know cause. So frustrating!
I had so many of these symptoms, I went to a homeopathic approach and it has worked. I take Shaklee supplements because I did my research and they were the best and with the most clinical research studies on their products. I take lots of B vitamins and protein, they also have a product called 'moodlift complex' that is great and "Nutriferon". It's worth your health to check into it. They have thousands of testimonies and have been around for over 50 years.
I've been diagnosed with Essential Tremor, mostly in my hands and head, and it's getting worse. I've been taking vitamin B-2 which seems to help a little. Has anyone found something that helps? Between the tremor and the arthritis in my hands some tasks are becoming almost impossible.
I would appear to have a stress-free life. My husband and I are retired and are living comfortably (so far.) My problem is that the least bit of tension gives me extraordinary muscle pain, most often in my neck/head/shoulders. Once it begins, it's hard to stop. I've tried chiropractic care, massage, yoga, breathing. Does anyone have a suggestion?
I have peripheral neuropathy diagnosed 2001 and arthritis every part of my body I,amo n pain killers Lyrica, Norspan but still have pain, possitive thinking helps and I do enjoy life.
Ya! I agree with all. Stress is scary and with some people it is a day and night companion. Whenever feel stressed chant some mantra. Meditate for even minutes wherever you are greatly helps alot. Go and pray. You will find solace.
Think of some greener and bright things.
Help yourself with a glass of lukewarm water.
You are normal than any other individual. What I feel is if one is not having stress in life, life is vapid, dull and offcourse without a spark.
Go and think! Are you not stressed? Why?
Something wrong with you. Just kidding and make you smile for even a moment is enough for me. It keeps me stress free for moments when I make others smile. Say cheese!
music is the best stress buster. watching children and playing with them does a great deal too.
I am confused and scared. I have psoriatic arthritis and was on Enbrel and metho injections 3 times a week, but have stopped. I got freaked about the amount of meds I was taking and am just trying to get by with aspirin. I also just found out that I have 50% stenosis in one of the arteries of my heart, which we are going to deal with by life-style changes before we consider surgery. I am 56, smoke too much, so that is going to go. I have been under unbelievable stress for at least the past 10 years, I work in a hospital, so the stress there is off the scale, toss in my boys growing up and leaving home, the death of my parents, menopause, financial worries and chronic fatigue and quite possibly depression and I just don't know what to do. I will do what my doctors tell me, of course, but I seem to have lost the ability to relax. I go for my annual in just a few days. Are there some extra test I should request? I just never feel good anymore and life doesn't hold much happiness for me.
I too have Fibro, there is really no specialist they try many meds to help with pain fatigue ect but this is more of a situation you have to learn to cope with. I cannot take the meds because they zone me out and I really had no life, So I take B-complex Co-Q10 walk if you can but exersize is not always easy with fibro water therepy is best, and nap if I need to and after time you level out I have had this 7 years, and I do some things I used to but cant do circles around even myself, I am 48 it was hard to realize I was not dependable anymore I had to even leave my job, and am on disability now with a child. It will get better, keep a positive attitude, and be your own best doctor. I am in CT I find humidity, dampness of anykind rain snow is horrible and extreme temps too, barometric pressure plays a roll in how you feel as well. Dont give up stay focused best you can find things you can do, sleep when you can even a nap helps. best to you, my fellow fibro sister! C.C.
A question. I was recently diagnosed iwth an autoimmmune disease. I had been through 4 very stressful years, but since I also was not sick ONCE during that time, I figured I must be doing ok. After I got this diagnosis a friend commented, "Well, sure, your adrenaline was working overtime - and that upset your immune system.
How much truth is there to that statement? I'm interested in hearing from professionals - not just opinions from lay people. I'm wondering about the biology/chemistry of that.
I would encourage anyone with symptoms of depression, chronic fatigue, or other "we-can't-figure-out-what's-troubling-you" issues, to investigate ADRENAL FATIGUE. A highly mis-diagnosed problem (no specific tests, doesn't "fit in" Western medicine, etc.). My GP was great - eliminating heart problems, breast cancer recurrence, thyroid, but when she diagnosed clinical depression, I definitely knew it wasn't so (have had in past). So I saw my naturopath. It was simple and obvious from his non-Western view... adrenal gland fatigue from 3 years of continuing stresses... they just get too pooped and can't catch up. They are VERY important to our health and wellness. I'm now taking a high quality (MediHerb, Australia) supplement - astragalus & eleutherococcus, and I can't believe the difference already... clearer thinking, patience, reduced chest constrictions, feeling "settled," much more. Google it, check it out on sites that are credible and not selling an
I will be 64 tomorow (11-25-07). Happy Birthday to me, except for the fact that I never expected to be in this situation. I have always been a hard working, independent woman. I have never asked for help, but am always the first one to offer a hand to family and friends. I find myself diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and am undergoing tests currently with a neurologist. I suffer with chronic muscle pain and for the past year or more, now have pain in my bones as well. I once was a "ball of fire" working circles around everyone, now, I can hardly keep up with chores around the house. I am not depressed by nature, but these health developments are wearing me down. Sleep eludes me due to pain. Is there anyone out there familiar with a doctor that specializes in fibromyalgia? I live in the central Florida area. Thanks, L.G.
I have Wegener's Granulomatosis. I'm scared and sad. My youngest, 20yrs is mad. My husband is almost out of his mind with worry about me. I am very, very happy to have a family that is supportive. I have a biopsyy 12-3-07. Life is joyful for me--five kids, and many friends who keep my chin up. Very best wishes for all.
Hi Kat, I can relate very well, to what your friend is going thru. I'm divorced, kids grown and I have 2 grandchildren. I do not see my own kids,nor my grandkids. I love coffee and I smoke alot. And I am on anti-depressants too. At one point I was having a metallic taste in my mouth, it was horrible. My DR. said it was from one of the meds I was on. Have your friend ask her Dr about it. Sometimes, the medication can interfer with the fillings in your teeth. To create that taste. I cannot remmeber which med I was on at that time. But please have her check with her Dr. I hope I've helped a little bit.
Hello to All
Stress boy do I know what it is I have been living with it for longer then I care to remember...really
I have general anxiety so its a daily stuggle for me, at times it really makes my life quite miserable. What do I do to deal with it, for me there's no magic wand or pill, at 51 years of age I dont expect any miracles with stress in my life, but I do manage to have somewhat of a healthy life...my case is a chronic one dont want to scare anybody here.
If I could give a piece of advice it would be this, learn to brake the cycle by doing what works for you.
Try to choose yourself's every morning when you wake up, meaning your the most important person for yourself and dont forget the basic's eat sleap have people around you who truly care that you can talk to (not only one person) share the good days as you do with the less good ones.
Fair Winds
Short note to complete last post. Keep your sense of humor as long and as much as you can, and that means trying to find the goofy humor in you own problems. That saved me for over 25 years and when it went away big ugly black depression was just sitting there like a spider waiting. Losing your ability to laugh at yourself some, even in the worst of times, is too hard. I always found something absurd in what I had or how I reacted to it. I'm working on getting mine back. Please don't think I'm making light of your problems, I have a bunch I haven't even mentioned, I'm on over load too.
Losing one's resilency is the worst thing in the world. My Mayo Doc calls my immune system a "total train wreck". I got RA at 17 and am now 53, had premature menopause at 31 along w/ Fibro., theres also Celiac Sprue and several other odd things. If it wasn't for the Mayo Clinic in MN, I don't know what I would have done. They've corrected 5 things that had been misdiagnosed in my rural medical health system. If you can find a way to go, when your still sick after running through way too many Docs. I can only go because I'm disabled w/ Medicare. If you can't go, try Mayo online or Merck Manual online. Stay away from stupid sites and go with the known and well respected. This helped me alot, I was about 95% sure I had Celiac when local Docs. said it was ulcers, just from my Mayo research. You have to get in charge of your health care early. But back to resilency, I don't know if I'll ever get it back and I'm one tired, old broad! Much luck to all of you, I've been ther
I am looking for answers for a friend; she complains of a metallic taste in her mouth, which is often painful and has the feeling of inflammed mouth. She also has no appetite, and drinks alot of coffee and smokes cigarattes habitually. She has a terrible marriage where they sleeep apart in the same house. I think this is stress related, and she is on anti-depressants. Can anyone give me any feedback so I can try to help her. thanks
Can Stress of losing family to so many suicides, having to shut my awesome bussi. down that I worked so hard and was so proud of acheiving and having a surgical sponge left in me for 19 mo. make my Adrenal Glands stop functioning due to so much stress??
Continuing my story from the note below this one. I have had Fibromyalgia since I was 24 but continued to run a Cleaning Bussi. for 20 years and in 2003 I had a complete hysterectomy in which the dr. left a full surgical sponge inside of me and it wan`t discovered until months of horrible sickness but could not figure out what was wrong until I collapsed on a job and was rushed to the hospital. After 4 days of going back and forth to the emergency my Arthritis Dr. told me to go back to the hospital, get a X-Ray done and take it to a uroligist. Needless to say, when I had my hysterectomy the dr. had left a full surgical sponge inside me for 19 mo. I had it removed and have had 6 operations and 8 nerve blocks done. I had to shut my Bussi. down and am beddriden everyday. now my adrenal Glands are not working and my Cortisol levels are a 1. I have had 4 major blood work ups done and I am so weak I cannot hardly lift my head. Yesterday I went to a Endocronologist and he had me do Lab work
WOW, Its hard to even know where to begin. Since the year 2000 my life has been living HELL. I went thru a horrible divorce, then had 3 right rotator cuff surgeries due to owning a house cleaning bussi. for 20 years. I then lost my 2 nephews and my sister to suicides in 6 mo. period. I then in 2005 lost my father and my newly loved sister in law.While I left my home in co. for 3 mo. to stay with my father until he passed, i found out that my mother had died a year earlier and none of my family knew as she had been a horrible alcaholic and we all had to pull ourselves out of her life as we did not want our children to see there grandmother live the lives we had growing up.I took care of all the funeral arrangements of all my family members and took care of there belongings. Needless to say, I got to the point of being afraid to answer my phone as I was sure I was going to be told some one else had died.
Stress? naaaa....all in my last 5 years: death of my pre high school sweetheart/husband due to alcoholism; left me with 3 kids; boss of many years married a very insecure woman that had him 'fire' me; devastating fire of home of which 6 months later I was indicted for arson but within 5 months charge dropped but damage done to my psychy and reputation; mother died, 86 yr old curmudgeon of an abusive father in my care; I have been in healthcare for 20 yrs now attempting the 'corporate' chaos; young adult children and their failures; my brother is a nightmare - I have to love him but I do not like him - I orchestrate his medical care (liver damage, i.e.) My body is reacting to my stressors. My symptoms are all in this website and I have had it! Gotta find the simple things and waller in 'em!! I have resigned from my corporate job and that is the beginning to saying no. I am strong and I will get back to the old me that laughed easily. KISS-keep it simple, Silly. Diet+exercise!
Don't read this and think that I'm not stressed or bitter (very bitter) BUT - I work in a VA as a nurse. There have been days that I thought I would explode, I'm feeling angry and having one of my "Pity parties". Inevitably, it NEVER fails, I will, for example get on an elevator, and next to me is a smiling veteran, in a wheelchair, missing limbs - and this smiling person asks ME if I'M having a bad day. Humility strikes, then reflection, then gratitude, then prayer. I'm not religious but very spiritual. I talk to me Dad (who died 3 years ago in the hospital) and remember that he always said, as I was ranting about something or other, don't sweat the small stuff.....and don't forget - it's all small stuff". Remembering him, and thinking about the veteran, I am diffused, and suddenly life seems kind, and I feel lucky, priviledged really. I have a body that works - not well, not without pain, but works. I have a job. A car. A home. And a dog who thinks I'm the best. Perfec
I, stay so stressed. I have cronic depression,degeranitive disease,artritis(excuse) thyroid disease,osteoprosis,begining lung disease. Lots of pain. My husband had never been sick. He comes home about every day and starts picking up or etc. I try to tell him i will get things done but I have to do it at my pace. He goes on ** I can't stand this mess. I'm trying to get deep cleaning done and you make a mess. I ask him please just let me do it as I can. I than have to take more nerve pills and it pulls me back bad. I told him the stress he was putting me under was killing me and he had to let up. This has been going on for years. This is a big problem and I don't think it will ever end. can anyone help out there. I am 60 years old, disabled.
Hi,I can relate to Deb,(10-17-07 7:27p.m.)I too was an ever present advocate for my dying father in a hospital.Through out his illness I was the warrior guardian angel on his behalf & also the leaning post for family. I too feel that fatigue of anguish, for 2 years I lost myself in taking total care of dad, fighting insurance issues,& self appointed demi-GOD doctors. Accepting the inevitable is one thing, but all that energy depleting grief is another. For even when its all said & done,GOD had mercy on dad & relieved him of untold suffering 7-9-7...I am searching for levity again & its trying to make its way back. So I figure when I'm ready to bask in its glory..it will hit...Guess thats how we just gotta look at things! I wish you lots of blessings & to other folks who are experiencing such heaviness of heart & soul...
Recently I spent five months being the ever-present advocate for my dad who was in ICU after a brain injury. (Even in ICU family members become the nurses and caretakers.) During that time I also cared for my mother and became the leaning post for my other two siblings. I don't feel all that strong myself, but I seem to have reserves that others in my family don't. We eventually lost my Dad who died a confused, agonizing, and painful death. The after effects of his death has sent my family into a down spiral and I'm having a hard time finding my equilibrium again. Before this happened I could not have imagined the fatigue of anguish, of being hyper alert for 5 mnths and having to FIGHT for his care. Somebody out there...will I ever again feel levity??? Three months have passed and I'm still tired.
Hi,my friend is 21 and married to a man 32, he has children from his first marriage, 2 girls one is 12 and lives with them most all the time the second one is 3 and ahalf and visits every other weekend,my friend and her husband have 2 and ahalf year old together and another one on the way, my friend is under a lot of stress because she homeschools the oldest which want listen to her at all she homesschools her because the kid has a severe non coutagious skin problem really bad and takes shots onces a week, my friend had been in the hospital in the past in her teens from depression, there is so much more to this story I talk with her as much as she wants to talk, I know and she has said she knows she needs therpy again,what else can I do for her, I love her with all my heart, please help
My extended family stressed me. It seemed I had become the family scapegoat. When I stopped giving them any information about me or my life, they couldn't get at me and cause me stress. The best advice I was given by a therapist was, "Not every thing or everyone needs a response." With that advice, I stopped trying to defend myself, smiled, went to the ladies room, excused myself, whatever, and gave them nothing to use against me. My stress has been relieved and I now am able to respond with a calmness because I am the one in control..Max
Michele, I can really relate to you except it happened to me 17-20 years ago. I divorced my husband, my kids grew up, I entered a new career and felt wonderful - I thought. My career became extremely stressful and I made it more so. After 16 years I forced myself out. By that time my physical and mental health had deteriorated to the point that I am now on disability and taking medications daily. My point is that there are two sides to every quarrel and two sides to each situation. I have discovered that I need to concentrate on my contribution in the way I react and who I connect with, how busy I keep myself and what my internal thoughts are about myself. I'm not cured but I am in recovery. It's a wonderful place to be - with friends who tell me what I need to hear not what I want to hear. My well-being is primarily in my hands and no one else's. Great Blog...Sandy
Thanks so much for all of your input .. this blog is a great help!
take care all ... Pat
I have always exercized but that routine became completely absent a couple of years ago due to caring for aging and dying parents and a beautiful young daughter who developed systemic lupus. But I am back - just today! Got my bike fixed up and went for a long ride this morning. It feels so good. If my daughter can eat healthy, exercise, and do everything that is good for her body - so can I!! She is a blessing.
I always wanted to write so when I could not work anymore and had physical problems, I started to watch politics and instead of just complaining, I wrote letters, called up my Cong. and Senator and believe it or not, received answers from them plus the editors and reporters that I wrote. It was and still is a great distraction for physical pain without drugs.
I want to thank all the writers in the comments and Dr. Creagan for starting this wonderful blog. I am filled with stress from physical problems such as headache pain and from a very stressful job. I especially found the advice to just slow down and breathe--meditate--helpful. I don't slow down much--I'm always rushing. And I don't stop. Again, I hope this blog keeps going, Dr. Creagan, as it is so useful to get into that mind/body problem that can fill us with pain, illness and unhappiness.
when one feels stressed one should do yoga
I cancelled my newspaper and stopped watching the news. Instead I work in my garden, do tai chi and meditate. So far, my absence has not caused any worldwide disasters (at least I don't think so ha ha) In my new, slower, world, there are a lot more butterflies, and I have avoided countless potenially fatal accidents by being late, and thus they occur before I get there (ha ha) and needless to say, I try to keep a sense of humor about life in general.
On waking I do 30 to 45 minutes of yoga stretches and meditate. During the day I may do a stretch or to unwind.I try to walk outside in the sun and fresh air each day. Sonetimes I do a deep water workout at 7:30am. I feel so good after.I find connecting with friends or even a stranger walking a dog when I am walking cheers me and I feel better for the rest of the day.I sleep better if I do just a few spinal and neck stretches before sleep.
Lots of exercise, lots of water, and at least 15 minutes per day just for me. My new thing is to take a bath every chance I get. It's short, but I don't do *anything* while I'm in the bath--no work, no studying, no thinking about work, etc.
No doubt stress is a big part of my life, but I have found that if I understand the control I have in dealing with it, it really helps me to feel better. Knowing that I make a difference to myself is quite empowering.
Michele, we are the same age and I too came fr/ horror. I believe that we are much like roots of a tree. You don't mention any abuse to your children, so there must have been some incredibly strong seeds planted by someone. I become beyond frozen when my husband of 27 years becomes angry. I find that I go back to that time of freeze and don't feel. That isn't living healthy. My health has suffered too. My journey to heal has taken a good 10 years or more, but our four children deserve "safe". We need to learn that we do too. Lean on those you trust. I cut out words and pictures fr/ magazines and make collages with my feelings that lay dormant for so very long. We all have a right to happiness. Fight for it! I think about ALL they TOOK, and can allow them to suck the rest or repair and build. I go to a fabulous therapist. But, I take the steps-he guides. Learn to pick up cues that your hubby is losing it & diffuse the bomb. It takes time and patience. Believe in yourself.
You may want to make an appointment for your husband with his doctor for an evaluation of his memory loss. Sometimes multiple medications can do this. If that's not the case, he may need to see a neurologist for further evaluation. Good luck to you both!
I would see stress as a likely culprit in your ailments. You might want to ask the Rheumotologist to check you for fibromyalgia. Pain and fatigue, sometimes depression - and the background of stress - are all common to fibromyalgia, but it's an often overlooked illness.
I frequently overbook myself and find that when I am most stressed my relationships suffer because I become short with the persons whom I love the most. I have to remind myself that they are the same loving, caring person whether I am stressed or not and it is I who have the problem. It makes keeping your cool a lot easier when overstressed.
As a retired person, I became a volunteer guide for a botanic garden and now lead groups - children or adults - once a week. It's a wonderful way to share an enthusiasm with others, and share a skill I didn't know I had, which in turn has inspired me to find others. In addition I find that working in the outdoors is a natural anti-depressant.
I find ballroom dancing helpful as I have to concentrate on the dance so my mind is relaxed while i also get some mild aerobic exercise.
I am a 47 year old Mother of three.
Grew up in a houshold with a very abusive alcoholic Father.Losing my Mother to Cancer at 21 left me to take care of two siblings to some degree and a newborn . Over the years I have experienced many tragic events. Only now have I realized that even though my husband is a great provider and not physically abusive he posesses the ability to cause me the mental abuse I felt as a youngster.(He also drinks at least once or twice a week) .I believe the stress has caught up to me. My Health over the past few years, hit rock bottom .Among other things I have been diagnosed with Mono ,mild depression and hypothyroidism. I am about to see a Rheomatologist for SEVERE joint pain and fatigue. Can stress be the cause of my ailments? Am I heading in the right direction?
I am trying to deal with the stress of how to help my husband of 45 years - I have read & am trying to take good care of ME too but I have questions about specific care issues - My husband has always been an avid reader of novels mostly : but now has depressing episodes of not being able to remember what he has read - Do I encourage him to keep trying or tell him to stop the frustrating attempts.
Next - our social life has gone downhill but I am so bored - should I push him to keep it up even if he feels he can't contribute to the chatter? I am not talking huge coctail parties - just dinner with 6-8 old friends
Any advise you can give me would be appreciated.
What I fail to understand, is just how many people feel the need to say that GOD relieves their stress, and not give themselves the credit that they deserve. YOU relieved your own stress, NOT a diety. The relaxation you get from praying is not due to god or faith, but instead attributed to the time you take for yourself to be calm and quiet, letting your thoughts do the sorting out of the stressful activities. You are strong, and that comes from within, not from god. Believe in the power of self and all will be made clear. Realize that YOU control things, not something else. The stress will melt away when you realize that you can fix it, if you only let yourself and not be dependant on god, or using god as an excuse.
I do work that I love. I go outside everyday, even when I work. I live not for from the railroad tracks and the train's whistle bring back great childhood memories. I run - along the side of the railroad tracks and throw rocks. I've written poetry and journals for nearly 50 years. I've learned all that helps me feel satisfied, safe and serene.
to Doris J - Take Levaquin for diverticulitis - not Cipro. Ask your Dr. to prescribe it for you. It works great. I take it when the need arises.
After having to take a stress leave from work last year (6 months) and doing therapy around the problem, I have learned that I can be my own worst enemy. When work gets busy, I start going faster and faster, getting really wound up and shutting out everything else around me, including people. Now I really try to practice mindfulness, so that I can see when the winding-up starts. When I notice that it's happening, I really pay attention to calming down and slowing down, telling myself that it's not a matter of life and death, that I will get the work done, etc. That way I don't get lost in a stress "soup." It works a lot of the time, but I know it will continue to take practice to really hone this new habit. Great to read how others handle situations. Thanks for this blog!
Pat: I also have diverticulosis and have frequent bouts of infection (diverticulitis) , have even been hospitalized once with this. Yes, stress has an effect on the condition. I try to stay on high fiber, low fat diet and that has helped. The most common antibiotic given for it is Cipro, which is very hard to take. It is quite strong and will kill even the good bacteria. Sure wish there was something better! Good luck.....
I suffer from what I just found out (or was told by a different doctor) is "advanced stages of emphysema". This ws not easy to hear at 63! I had chronic bronchitis (COPD)I thought. Anyway, I DID stop smoking after 45+ years..that was just before my new doctor told me about the emphysema! Wish I'd done it years ago. Been doing nebulizer treatments 3-4x/day for over two years. Get panic attacks once in a while that make it even harder to breathe. You'd think that all modern medicine has accomplished over the years, they'd surely find a cure for this dreaded disease. But since they can't even cure the "common cold", I guess it's par for the course. Any suggestions would be appreciated as all the doctors want me to do is take anti-depressants for the panic attacks and albuteral etc. for the COPD. It's frustrating and scary!!
I get very stressed at times and get terrible headaches. How can I get rid of the stress?
Recently I have been diagnosed with divertiulitus. I have always had a lot of stress going on in my life.
Can stress cause or worsen this disease?
thanks ... Pat
I just turned 60 and have started treating myself to living with less stress by:
- keeping the cell phone turned OFF when drivng
- exercising 6 days a week
- trying very hard not to RUSH--discovered that "hurrying" had become a habit
-quit making lists; instead just ask myself, "what MUST happen TODAY?"
- think in day-tight compartments
- telling my adult kids; "I'll get back to you" instead of dropping everything to accomodate them
- be thankful for all that is good in my life
- journal my prayers and be honest; God knows anyway
-have dropped "friends" who suck the life out of me
- try to be a blessing to someone every day
- not taking everything so seriously; we are just "passing through"
- take time to participate in a blog like this
Dear mom2,
Re: panic disorder. A good psychotherapist, who has had experience and really understands the nature of panic disorder is a MUST. It may take longer than a pill and some "behavioral" suggestions, but my niece has been medicated for about 10 years (she was supposed to progress enough within a year or so to be weaned off meds) and has been in therapy 2x a month with a psychiatrist. She IS doing much better, but that has actually taken MUCH longer than 2x a week, or even 1x a week with an experienced psychologist or social worker (psychiatrists can be very effective with medicating, but according to a mental health consultant are not the only source of good therapy). Whatever you learn about yourself will always help cope with stress, but I have found that "behavioral" suggestions, tho helpful at the moment, don't change what's under the anxiety well enough.
Chasseur,take care of yourself first and worry about the world later.Love yourself first and the world later.At eighteen you are sure taking very difficult classes. I am guessing you jumped through some grades to be a third year student.That in its self can be stressfull.I know from the time I graduated high school and the four years it took to get my BS I matured alot emotionally and mentally. Being no help to the world is not a good enough reason to keep yourself from suicide.Get your self better and then you will be able to help the world more. Is it at all possible to slow down at school? If so do it.I know if you have schlorships and grants require most students to be full time but stay at the line where you are still full time but have time for yourself. Keep praying,your prayers are heard.Mag I barely made it thru Algebra II in highschool lol
Mag, RF is not totally easy either. The doc numbs you and uses needles in your back. I think it's better than the alternatives though!
Mag, If pain is shooting down your leg it is from a disk in the lower back I believe and RF may help depending on your diagnosis. I just had Radio Frequency again today on the left side of my lower back and the right side was done a few weeks ago. The doc said I should be ok until March, so 6 months until both sides will be done again. My problems are the last three disks in my lower back. I am trying to avoid a fusion at all costs which can really cause big problems. I have read articles where they give radio frequency to people with advanced cancer to relieve the pain. You have to get to the right doctors to determine if you can have RF. In my case it was two Orthopedic surgeons, one where I live and another at the Hospital for Special Surgeries in NYC. The work I do in the pool is a program designed by my physical therapist. She had aquatic therapy training somewhere in Florida. So glad to help. Write again if you need anything.
julieq..what's the supplement you were talking about? Sounds too good to be true!
am 18,3rd year BS Chemical En'ng here in the phils. i was rushed to the ER last august for having seizures,numbness in my whole body and difficulty in breathing.i know am stressed after not being able to enter the academically elite UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILS. studying was a grind in my university, and after failing my CALCULUS 2, last semester, and a major academic delinquency by repeating all my precalculus math this semester, i know am stressed and depressed. am doing better now, except for some sleepless nights...my max.sleep is about only 5 hrs.since last week. tried to calm myself by praying and drawing closer to God, everyday.Am also involved to some Compulsive Disorders and Gender Identity Disorder too. Am praying not like the pray of the blindman, but a prayer to God to open my eyes, give me strenght daily, and be a blessing to someone else. i have suicidal tendencies, but i realized that it wouldnt help the world if i give up now and end my life.THESE TOO SHALL PASS!it will.
how do you recognize stress? i never think about it,. however it seems as if lots of people and organizations like to talk about it. working and keeping busy supporting my family keeps me busy and does not allow much time to think of stress.
What about using the supplement GABA to help handle stress? Anyone have any comments? Any side harmful side effects?
Mike,I sure understand about the stopping smoking.It is hard for people who have never smoked to understand how hard it is to quit.It was in a national magazine that nicotine is the second most addictive drug there is. I have done it once and now I need to do it again,only this time for good. I need to pay close attention for the triggers.I think at some point in time that everyone has stepped back and have noticed that other people's problems are bigger than others and we appreciate what we do have. What needs to be understood is that what might be a small stressor to one person is huge to another. Until we all have walked in somebody else's shoes we should not be so quick to judge others. We all our wired differently. Showing and being compassionate to others will make anyone feel better. Good luck, I am Irish so surely luck should come natural to me.lol Mag
My husband of 53 years has advanced COPD, is on oxygen and many other meds. I am his caregiver and have very little time to myself. My stress affects me in many ways: my digestive system mostly. I could use suggestions for ways to help me handle it all. Prayer is one I already use daily; would go "nuts" without it!
Rene I am going to ask about the radio frequency,I am just confused about one thing. Is it the spinal stimulator or the radio frequency that has to be addressed every nine months to a year? Love the advice,sounds like it would be alot easier.Do you know if it would be effective for the pain that shoots down the leg?It can be so severe sometimes I can't walk or even stand long enough for a shower. It sure gives me something to think about.Thanks a bunch. Mag
A simple and very important strategy I use is to breathe deeply. I plan to take a few minutes a couple of times a day to be very intentional about this. Doing this helps me remember to use the strategy when I most need it.
one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time.
all the usual things...walking, nutrition, my music
but sometimes you have to just put one foot in front of the other and trust that you will survive this, too.
Peace to all, whatever peace means to you...Peep
Have a small talk with friend, hang out with them for a day, and sleep after that..
If it doesn't work, write down what made you stress like that, and what can you do about it. Just write again if you still stress.............
I've caregiven to both my in-laws and my own mother for several years and was filled with stress just to deal with their wants and needs. Since they all went into care facilities and have also passed on I have gone on the web sites to find out how to deal with high blood pressure and stress.
After many months I have finally brought down my blood pressure and my stress levels have subsided substantially. What did I do well I have started taking a Vitimin B complex daily, added lots of minerals to my filtered water(which I drink 2 1/2 litres per day) added Omega 3,6,7 & 9's daily, do deep breathing to have my lungs oxyginated and walk our dog daily for about a half hour. Stay away from salted foods, wheat products, processed foods, and keep taking those calcium - magnesium capsules with your Vit C's. Sounds like a lot to remember but you know what I'm 66 years old and don't take any medications whatsoever and am as healthy as a horse and raising a second family and still work. M
Is it possible to stress yourself into vision problems.
Stress is now a major part of who I am, self induce or not thats the way it is do I like it of course not.
I'm working on it, because least april I had a heart attack, only thing is is that i'm dealing with so many "stuff" that I find it really hard to make some progress.
For one thing I want to stop smoking but to me after 37 seven years of blowing my smoke I find it almost impossible to get in the frame of mind to quit, I am really mad at myself for having the stroke and in the same "breath" mad that I am still smoking.
Fair Winds to all
I walk.
I do three main things:
on a daily basis: I watch my Mexican soap opera for one hour. That's my me time and I know I can relax!
When I have the time, I try to do something nice for someone else (usually involves making food and sharing it, or babysitting, or something like that)
And I make to-do lists the day before, not on the day I have to get things done. This was a recommendation from a therapist who told me it would help reduce the pressure I was feeling to accomplish everything on my list, which I now limit to what is essential.
Ah! I forgot something. When I get my new O (Oprah) magazine, I take a bath that day and read it! :)
For me journaling, daily meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) found on the web, prayer, deep relaxation yoga have all been so helpful.
A question: Is there a relationship between panic/anxiety attacks and atrial fibulation?? I welcome your thoughts.
I work as a nurse in an acute care hospital and I am a case manager - highly stressful job! My relief comes in several ways - a small bit of dark chocolate after lunch (to lower the BP AND the desktop disco-ball light that comes out of my locker. Everyone laughs and smiles and this is one of the best ways to lower stress. Frankie
Lets be real. Many out there have a few drinks to reduce stress. I don't, as I have seen what it does to my patients. Something else, also that I don't do, is smoke marijuana. I mention this, because I have noticed that the overall health of the non-drinking marijuana smokers is vastly better than the drinker's health. I am assured that the marijuana imbibers (several eat cookies with pot baked in them to avoid smoke)are not habitual nor are the drinkers drunks. Personally, I agree that regular exercise and regular hours probably work for most, best of all. Please do not think that small amounts of alcohol have no deleterious effects.
I quit smoking. It cut down 50% of the stress I felt. Then, because I now could breath, I began walking a half hour a day. Since I live in the woods it's a lovely walk...not always easy...but lovely. And I have my prayer time. Faith not only moves mountains but it made it possible for me to go walking.
I've had a hard life. My father was the son of a doctor, but he was a good business man. He lived with the 'son of a doctor' complex all his life. He beat and raped my sister and I most of our early years. At age 13 Ihadheartsurgeryin'54.
My mother has a sadistic type personality; my sister committed suicide at 33. I married a man who took my children at ages 2 and 3. I got my daughter back age after 2 yrs and my son after 5 years. My son doesn't remember the early years I loved him so much. He has severe asthma from birth, and I think my husband told him I am bad and hate him. Now he's 36 and I'm 66 - I think he tries to remember me but he pretty much has a hard time with it. After I worked for 16 yrs as a legal sec. I got carpal tunnel syndrom and went to school to get a degree at age 57. Now I teach foreign people to speak english on the internet. I've worked through grief etc throughout the years. I'm naturally an up person - as the irish used to say 'happy-go-lucky'.
I have fought depression for the last few years. My alcoholic father committed suicide and my alcoholic mother died from emphysema. Needless to say my childhood was not the best, but I did love my family. The baggage I have tried to let go of has been difficult, but my faith has sustained me and good doctors who helped me with finding an antidepressant that would work for me. I realize I am the only one who can allow these demons to defeat me, so I choose not to. I know I am a good person. Stress can be so overwhelmly scary and of course can make you feel so bad physically. I pray daily for strength and peace. Pushing myself to just take a walk and clear my head daily helps so much. Also just trying to live one day at a time. Talking to God is the best way for me to feel better and just at peace.
i run. and pray
As a practising therapist - mainly hands-on but also Reiki & energy work - I find that giving yourself some special 'me time' is essential. Get up, go outside whenever possible and do some deep breathing - focussing on counting as you breathe in, hold for double the count, then breathe out for the first number initially helps to clear the mind and oxygenate the tissues so you immediately feel better. Making sure that you are eating properly & getting enough Coenzyme Q10 plus vits and minerals makes a big difference. I've found an amazing supplement that helps with all the body processes from breathing to circulation to relieving depression, aches and pains and also regulating blood-sugar levels. It's transformed my life and is now available in the US too. There's also a new treatment I have discovered call 'Bars' which helps to clear the mind and remove age-old blocks, enabling real progess to be made, and, of course lymphatic massage is so relaxing. Lavendar oil relaxes
i have to take my annual exams in just three days and still i dont know how to prepare even though i keep on studying whole yaer?
Mom2 ~
I've only had one panic attack; it was caused by the hospital stopping my anxiety medication by accident. All I remember was thinking that I needed someone to talk to me ~ desperately ~ so I could focus on something outside of myself and get my mind off of what was happening with my body.
I don't know if you've ever done any Meditation. If not, it might be worth checking into. You don't have to medidate on a regular basis if you don't want to, but you should learn a Mantra, and learn how to put yourself into a Meditative state ~ basically, a state of deep relaxation. Once you learn how to do this, you will be able to return to that state whenever necessary just by calling upon your Mantra and remembering your Meditation training. You'll be able to disassociate your mind from what your body is doing.
I know it sounds odd, but it truly does work. You'll be able to put your mind somewhere completely calm; that will then transfer to your body. Look into it.
Thanks Dr. Edward and Mayo for this blog. Stress the inability to cope with a situation is the root cause of many a sickeness (mental and sickness). Stress defeats the purpose of life ie. to be at peace with oneself. Creating a buzz about stress is vital to ensure that as individuals and in groups we reduce stress in each other. In effect, we need a stress free thinking process to have stress lifestyles. I wish everyone all happiness and stress free lives.
Paula ~
If your daughter is that sick -- she's been sick for years, and throwing up almost non-stop for days on end -- then it's not stress. Get her to an Endocrinologist, one way or another. Have them check her Cortisol levels, as well as her ACTH from her Pituitary gland, and her Sodium and Potassium levels. She could easily be borderline Addison's or Cushing's, which could both be life-threatening if she goes into a crisis. She could be having Thyroid issues, Para-Thyroid, you just don't know. And, quite frankly, unless the doctors have done the proper blood tests ~ FASTING BLOOD TESTS ~ they don't know either. NEVER, EVER let doctors dismiss you when you honestly believe something else is going on. If I had done that, I'd be dead now, there's no doubt in my mind. I would have blacked-out behind the wheel one night trying to make it home from work. Do whatever you must to protect your daughter. Her life may depend on it.
I got sick 2-yrs ago & spent 18-mos trying to get diagnosed. Before I could, they ran me off my job, making me file EEOC charges and fight them.
I was diagnosed with Secondary Addison's disease; I take steroids to stay alive. I'm sick; I had to file for Disability at 42. Finally, I sold my house and moved to California so my Dad and I could be together.
When I arrived, something was wrong. He was angry and very abusive; something had changed. I took his abuse for 8-mos until we got him to a Neurologist; I went between an Endocrinologist and Oncologist.
We got diagnosed about the same time. Dad has Dementia from Multiple Sclerosis, at 70! They think I have Uterine Cancer, at 44.
How do I take care of myself AND care FOR him?
I have no one to talk to but Dad; I have no friends. My car's about to be repossessed; I lose my health insurance next month.
Sometimes I wish it would all end. Mostly, I just hope it doesn't get any worse.
Someday, I'll deal with all of it.
Does anyone have any ideas about what helps panic attacks? I have had them in the past as well as present. As much as I try to "talk myself out of it" nothing seems to help. I know they are stress-related. Please share any ideas or help. Thanks.
I have been up to my eyeballs in stress for several years. I finally almost had a total breakdown -- healthwise as well as mind & nerve-wise. I took care of my mother-in-law for 5 yrs (Alzheimers and totally blind) before she died, and have been caring for my mother (has been living with us for 15 yrs) who has Multiple Myeloma as well as Congestive Heart Failure and other health issues. She is very controlling and has totally stressed me out! I have finally come to the realization that I can no longer care for her, as my health is going down the tubes fast. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as Lupus and other health problems. I have found a retirement-type of facility that we are waiting on an available room for her, but in the meantime I have sitters to stay with her to help care for her until the room becomes available. I thought I would be able to care for her until she died, but I have finally realized that I cannot do it any longer. The stress was literally killing m
I just read Dr. Don Colbert's Book "The 7 Pillars of Health". Under " Coping with Stress" he writes of Mindfulness. It is training your thoughts to let go of anything other than the present moment. Instead of constantly wanting more be thankful for what you have and resist comparing yourself or your possesios with others. Show some gratitude.
I do not believe that stress is "self-inflicted." Not being able to cope with stressors, or being overwhelmed with stressors causes us to lessen our coping skills. I have chronic pain,and have had for decades. No maatter what doctor, what medicines, what medical procedures, the chronic pain never goes away. That then causes insomnia, so I am always tired. Both of those create depression, so medical problems cause stress to the body and mind. THen, there are environmental stressors, such as a predator who entered my life and financially ruined me,and is still doing it by abusing the court system to continally cause more stresses. Those are realities, called "situational stresses' and they cannot be ignored. They must be dealt with. The physical and mental stresses have caused me to be placed on full disability. I cannot handle this alone, so hope this blog can be of some comfort. Yes, I pray, yes I go to church. But those realities must be endured. HELP!
My best medicine for stress relief is to do something nice, helpful or meaningful for someone else.
Mag...There is another option to a spinal cord stimulator, it's called radio frequency ablation. An orthopedic surgeon can give you a referral to a specialist to have the procedure and it is non-invasive. A spinal cord stimulator is invasive as it involves your spine, wires and surgery. You didn't say what levels of your spine are affected but this may be an option for you. I have had this done to my neck and back and it really does help a lot. The procedure has to be repeated at approxiamately 8-12 months as the nerves regenerate. I am able to swim and do an aerobic routine in the pool to relieve my pain and my stress!
To Paula - Take her to an allergist and ask to be tested
Dear Elly, this is just my opinion I could be wrong. I do not know if you have tried to set boundaries with your 32 year old neighbor. I have had to overcome similar situations, I understand how awkward and stressful it must be for you. (Especially if you're peeking outside your door to avoid her.) The least stressful and direct approach would be to clearly tell her something like this, "This is not personal; however, I enjoy my independence and also prefer the company of people my own age. Do you understand?" You may want to avoid making an enemy with a neighbor. It could get messy and overwhelming.
If she continues to latch on to you, there is the options of having the apartment management speak with her, or God forbid, obtaining a restraining order. I hope your problem is resolved peacefully. I feel for your neighbor. She's probably just lonely and is looking for a friend. It's just not you.
Stress? What is that? I am 57, a male to female transsexual (post-op), I moved from Missouri to Minnesota in 1999, have had eight jobs in eight years(most short term), have been unemployed since 11/2005 when I was diagnosed with primary generalized epilepsy, and currently have no income. I once knew about stress. Now it is a thing from the past.
If the anti-convulsants were working properly I could either get back to looking for a job, or at least doing some work from home. Or I could get back to composing music, writing poetry and fiction and doing freelance writing.
It is one day at a time. Very slowly.
Thank you so much for this idea. Think the newsletter is helpful to all of us, but think the blogging will even be more helpful to see other's ideas and how they deal with problems.
I am 75 years old, live in a subsidized apartment designated for 'elederly'. There is a 32 year old handicapped lady, who has attached herself to me, frankly she is driving me crazy! I peek out of my doorway, to be sure she is not standing there waiting for me. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but how can I get rid of her? Something legal,please> Elly
It helps me to distinguish between what I have to do and what I would like to do at times when I feel overwhelmed. All I have to do is eat, drink, sleep, and take my meds. Pretty much all else is under the would like to do heading. I may prioritize that list, but at least the real necessities seem manageable.
Rosemary I agree with Sandy, "b"is not a bad word. Stress and anxiety are not self inflicted, if they were I am pretty sure there would be alot less.Things just happen in our lives that are beyond our control. I want tothank Steve,Rene,Melody and Elsbet for all your encouragement.I still practice my biofeed back(breathing techniques).I do pray to God everyday, not to heal me but to give me the strength to keep fighting and not giving up.I thank him that we all survived and I give him the problems that out of my control and I have faith that he will do what is right for me even if I don't understand it. My mom always told me not to question why things happen, they happen for a reason.Rene you sound like a wonderful doctor and I hope God is with you all the time.Rosemary I will pray that you are watched over. Henry I want to thank you also. I felt like I actually had all of you to talk even though it was through a blog.I never have done this.Thank you once again. MAG
I have found that since I started drinking a certain Mangosteen juice, which is a nutritional supplement, my stress has been much easier to handle.
Paula...I would get another docs opinion.
As for me, I am a 54 yr.old who is a caregiver to a daughter with MS and a granddaughter with Bipolar disorder. They live with us. I have taken care of them for 12 years now. Recently I have ben diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I hurt to exercise but I know I need to anyway.
Albert Ellis has a slew of books whose titles will give you an idea how they might help. Here are three: "How To Make Yourself Happy--And Remarkably Less Disturbable;" "How To Stubbornly Refuse To Make Yourself Miserable About Anything--(Yes, Anything!);" "How To Control Your Anxiety--Before It Controls You." Ellis is not your usual guru; his books are not, despite their titles, the usual self-help books. His approach is psychological and philosophical (i.e., fundamental). It's caught in Lou Holtz's comment that "Life is 10% what happens to me; 90% how I react to it." Ellis shows you how to become aware of the ways you create your stress from situations that our language says stressed us: "I was stressed by_______." Wrong! Ellis says: We stress ourselves. But not for a moment does he deny things happen to us that are wrong, bad, undesirable, painful, etc., and maybe something should be done about them.
My biggest stress relievers are prayer, listening to christian music and playing christian music on the piano or organ. I listen to christian music every day. Whenever I drive, that is all I listen to. I also read inspirational books, as well as the Bible, as a help for stress relief.
Check with a local Humane Soc. There are people that rescue specific animals and breeds.They take them home and until a home can be found for them.My family loves dachsunds.Our first one gained weight after being neutered and injured his back.We eventually had to put him down.It was like losing a child.I did not want 2 go through this again.We eventually foster a female that had been abused.We rebuilt her trust and found the perfect family.I soon broke down and got two mini dachs and they have so far out lived Rusty by four years.They are going on eight years old.Their max weight is 11lbs. Our female is 10lbs 3oz and our male is 13lbs so we are trying to bring him back down a little.They are head strong but easy to love. The Humane Soc should work with you (if they do their job)They should always try to find help rather than put them down. They also will help with neutering and spaying if people can't afford it. Good Luck, I hop it works out. Mag
Rosemary, CALL animal control and get rid of the sick cats, yes I know that sounds mean but your not in a position to care for stray animals if you have got $ problems. I grew up on a dairy farm and love animals but these cats have got to go! Get Dave Ramseys book The total Money Makeover. You can rent it from a library if you cant afford it. It will change your life and perspective about whats really important in life--the book is an easy read and step by step giude to get out of debt and STAY OUT!!! read this before you consider bankruptcy!!! DEBT IS STRESSFUL but you can get control. Dave Ramseys book will show you how--its life changing!!!
I think that alot of the stress and anxiety we experience everyday is self inflicted. I am a Registered Nurse and work in Critical Care and ICU, I take care of patients who have had Gunshot Wounds or other major trauma and will never walk, talk or function normally again. I also care for Organ Donor patients who had zero chance of survival. Death, crisis and dying everyday. What gets me is that there are so many people in the world who have much bigger issues than the small issues that you or I tend to focus on. Stress and anxiety are common responses to our everday "issues", but if we take a step back and look at the whole picture we might just realize how fortunate we all are to be walking, talking and breathing. -- yesterdays history, tomorrows a mystery, today is a gift thats why they call it the present.
Elisabeth--MO USA
I have tried various forms of meditation for years, with mixed effects. Recently, I revisited the "relaxation response." I appreciated the suggestion that personally meaningful prayful expressions could be used as part of the ritual. http://www.mbmi.org/basics/whatis_rresponse_TRR.asp
I think sharing with other people is really important. This includes talking about one another's days, sharing food, giving hugs, exercising together...even crying to (close) friends if that's how I feel. Even allowing myself to get angry with others is important (in moderation), and having relationships in which anger is OK and can be worked through can come from a place of trust and mutual respect.
I try to surround myself with friends that are looking for these things, and often make friends by putting such gestures forward. It works for me because it gives perspective and opens up my mind so that I can let go of the little things that effect (and stress) me as an ego. We're hard-wired to need others and that's good.
I work 13-14 hrs/day not including driving 30 miles each way to work. I own my own company and am responsible for the livelihoods of 20 people at my company. I try to stay as calm as possible and the illness of my son has put it all in perspective. I have not found many ways to manage my stress. I have found that satellite radio during my 75-90 minute ride home helps and exercising on the weekend before anybody gets up is great. A walk in the park at night with my dogs also help. Coaching my sons baseball team helps somewhat but i would stress out trying to get to each game and practice on time. I am better off being a spectator. Other than that, I have not found the time to sit down and manage my stress.
For Rosemary who is deep in debt -NEVER let debt be stressful! DO something about it(I know, it's hard). Get control of it by seriously considering filing a bankruptcy. THe "b" word is NOT a bad word. It is your legal right. Your health and your life are MOST important - NOT the creditors who I suspect harass you daily. I am a bankruptcy attorney and with VERY few exceptions, our clients say it was THE best decision they ever made. Now THEY are in control of their lives - NOT some unkown creditor who gets paid to threaten and fighten you. If you were on your death-bed, they would strongly urge you to "just write out a check" before you die!!!! If you do NOTHING else, at least talk to an attorney about this and GET INFORMATION! I would suggest a woman -Most of our clients leave our office with a smile and more contentment than they have had in years!
stick that list on your favorite room's wall and start solving problems, please note, solving problems can be like bycicle riding, start with small ones, mix a medium one, some more small, and then once you feel the rush of the wind, tackle a big one, cross the problems solved, do not erease, so as to keep track of your progress, when a problem arises you will go and check your cardboard and think "which column does this problem belong to?" and write it down, it is such a relief¡¡¡¡, off your back, and to the wall¡¡¡ it is very simple and one whole lot of help in stress, also mild ansiolysis is used, Linden flowers and citrus leaves infusion taken at night sweetened with honey works wonders, the aforementioned quality of your sleep, the amount of "rest" will increase beyond belief, good luck¡¡¡¡ P:S: For the non solution problems, and the ones beyond your reach place them in the hands of God, faith is a beautiful gentle healing power, never forget that.
Great site - great suggestions. Mine are:
(a) Read the bible and pray. Not for the primary motive of beating stress, but God teaches us how live "anxiety free". Check out what Jesus said about the worries of this life!
(b) I find even just a brisk half hour walk and a few bodyweight strength exercises helpful.
(c) Since greatly improving my diet (lots of veggies, fruit, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish) - I have noticed MANY benefits
(d) I find that taking time out for a deep breathing session helps. Recommended is (apparently) 10 breaths 3 times a day on a 1:4:2 pattern (hold your breath 4 times longer than you inhaled, exhale 2 times longer than you inhaled). Regardless of the method - deep breathing is (I have read) the best/quickest way of ALKALISING your blood. It has a great energising impact. PLUS - it gives you a few minutes of meditation/think pleasant thoughts "you" time!
(e) Regular healthy sleeping patterns help a lot too.
I need to work on time ma
on a first column the patient writes down all and each of her problems, even tiny ones, a long list is almost sure, I tell them to emtpy the "Backpack" in that list, when you are sure to have done so, and exhausted your self doing it, pass to a second column the problems written in the first column that do have a solution, a shorter list will emerge, check this out, once sure, pass to a third column the problems that are written in the second column whose solution is in your hands and within a reasonable lapse of time, and voilà you did it, you emptied your bag, sorted it out, and now have a working list,
Try letting God handle your stress. It works, and I do it all the time. Just talk to him and let him deal with the bad, ugly and unbearable. Then pet your dog, or go for a short walk. Get all of those brain waves working again. If walking is painful, start slow, one block at a time. But make yourself go. It gets easier as time goes by. My dogs get me up, out and de-stressed. I thank God daily for bringing them into my life.
which in turn stresses even more the poor patient, and it can spiral down indeed¡¡, many factors do contribute to this, but usually the patients and I have a long chat, the usefulness of stress under certain situations is explained, the grinding of teeth beng a signal of involuntary abuse of oneself by oneself, the "peace stealers", television being number one, the need to have once in a forthnight a sit down with familiy detect problemas and notate proposed solutions, keep the common goals alive, and also very useful, a session alone with a cardboard and a crayon
My doctor said I'd still use some narcotics and I will have a temporary session to make sure it will work for me and they want my depression controlled before they do it. I take meds for depression and anxiety I have lost contact with most of my friends,I can't work, I tried a home business but it failed.My husband trys 2 keep up with everything and I feel so guilty for it.I wish we were twenty instead of almost fifty.I can't even sleep in bed so I sleep in a recliner next to it.I worked a full day,a couple hours in the yard and cook and clean and I loved every bit of it.I found most it therapeutic and now nothing.I don't knit or anything like that. I use to do ceramics but now I can't even find greenware.On top of all this I had a hysterectomy and had to hire an attorney to fight the insurance companies for me.It really hurts knowing the company does not care about anything but keeping money.I feel like I vented a lot. I am up for any suggestions and thanks to those of you that read
I live paycheck to paycheck and am overrun with stray cats. They have been getting sick. I am under severe stress because I can't turn away a needy animal and I am way over my head with money problems. Any suggestions?
Wow, here I was tinking I was stressed¡¡, I am an oral surgeon who has to see a lot of patients stressed out, people who are stressed out often grind thir teeth during sleep, developing chronic pains in the head-neck area, often unilateral, severe cases can lead to back pain also, vertigo eye pain etcetera, almost always things are rooted in stress, almost always the quality of sleep is low, tossing in bed even if very tired, awakenings around 03:00, waking up feeling tired, streaks of mindlessnes during the day
isnn't it confusing (or catch 22)to be stressed by stress itself?
I honestly beleive we over-worry reg. this matter, accept maybe if tests prove our Cortisol is high and might damage vital organs.
Even plants need some inner pressure to function properly (Turgor pressor, if I remember from high school). All muscles need some tonus to act .
The flow of adrenalin is positive, unless it makes our heart beat and constriction so intence the heart muscle will lack O2 and might give us pain , muscle death or even death by MI. OR - BRING US TO SHALLOW BREATHING, SHIVERING LIMBS, a situation treated often very sucsessfuly with beta blockers.
BUT living a dull, unexiting life- can be called a satisfactory /happy living?!
A note on anxiety/panic attacks: After an emergency carotid deal, my doctor didn't notice my developing anxiety, but the good part was losing 25 lbs! A shrink was so idiotic I quit, took 10 books on anxiety from the library, chose 5 to study...and learned to "study myself" instead of letting go of my emotions. Driving a rented "wreck" car, I had a panic attack and studied myself, saying "my body is doing something I don't wish my mind to accept" and laughed at myself for the nonsense. To stand off as a stranger, observe the physical nonsense, is to "get a grip." And do the physical exercises described in a workbook type approach to anxiety. It's a matter of quietly observing and retraining the thought patterns. Take the laugh at it approach, and insist on being the boss!
My best habits to prevent stress or the blues: Every evening, make a journal entry of all positive chores done that day, and always make a short list of chores for the next day...you should sleep better,having a positive plan for each day. It works for me!
Has anyone heard of progressive relaxation exercise? You start with the feet and tighten them as tight as you can get them for 20 seconds while holding your breath. After 20 seconds, release the hold and the breath visualizing the release of tension. Then, work up to the calves, then the thighs, etc. holding each for 20 seconds before relaxing. By the time you get to your forehead, the tension is completely gone.
If you combine the progressive relaxation exercise with visualization of walking down 20 flights of stairs (visualize each floor marking and each stair as you walk down), I think that it is impossible to be stressed after that.
There is also the unsaid component to these two (2) exercises that is worth mentioning - doing something for yourself (for a change).
Dr. Creagan's self-help method of making a daily list of things to do for himself is great. That's one thing I need to do more often. Like many of us, I am better at mentally/emotionally beating myself up than I am at taking care of me. Thanks for the suggestion, Doctor Creagan!! Great blog.
I have developed severe depression,I have been diagnosed with chronic myofacial pain syndrome and been placed on several restrictions. No prolonged sitting,standing,bending,pushing,pulling,lifting more than ten pounds etc. etc. They finally found out that I had two severely torn discs,nerve impingement from a herniated disc. A lot of this was missed on the MRI's that were done but were found during a discograhm. This was a severely painful procedure. On top of all of this I was overweight before the wreck and have gain more weight since the wreck so I now have been told to lose the weight,quit smoking,and try to get back into shape. I am completely lost, I lost 25lbs and quit smoking for about two months after that and gained the weight back. I am seeing a pain specialist and I have one more option called spinal cord stimulation therapy. A small disc in placed under the skin and basically it is set up to confuse the brain. The brain will feel the stimualtion instead of pain. More blog.
I had constant nausea for two months and lost 15 lbs. the pharmacist recommended Oralyte (same as Pediolyte) and it helped a lot. Also recommended CoEnzymeQ-10. My enzymes were out of balance. But FIRST, ask to see a specialist SOON!
Paula,Does your daughter feel like her illness is caused by stress. I am a strong believer that people should be involved with their own health care. Doctors are not God,have her tell them what she thinks, don't just assumed they are correct because they have a DR. in front of their name. I don't mean to dis the docs but if a patient does not participate they often get it wrong.To me it sure sounds like a lot more then stress. Four years we were on our way home after a relaxing afternoon when a three quarter ton pickup pulling a trailer with tons of hay practically ran over us in our little four cylinder car while stopped at a red light.He was traveling about fourty miles per hour. I have been in PT for two years, massage therapy, biofeed back and several doctors who have done several tests.I lost my job because I had several flares of back and neck pain while inducing several more migraines than I have ever had before. Looks like I will have to continue on a different blog. MAG
MPH - Music, Pets, and Humor.
I think we have to consider other aspects of stress. Not only it comes to super-workers with many responsibilitis. Sometimes you got stressed with the lack of information about your job. About your career in the future! As a project manager I'm always stressed when I'm endind a project because I'm not sure how long I'll be off-duty. In my company, being a 53 years old off-duty professional is not a safe condition.
Anyway, I agree with the paralel activities such as running or exercising everyday, and I would also include some mental exercises like studying a new thing, different from your profession. I'm now studying Philosophy and it helps me change my concentration focus (worries?).
I spend hours in front of a computer screen almost every day. I have a post-it note stuck at the top of the monitor that says: "Get up stretch, then 10 deep breathes." I close my eyes during the breathing exercise.
I feel a lot better and hopefully more relaxed.
To the lady whose daughter has been vomiting for so long and dehydrated I would seek another physician, perhaps an endocrinologist. Whoever is treating her is not a very astute diagnostician. There are many ways to make a person comfortable and so many drugs and alternatives such as acupuncture that would help this young lady. Please find her another health care provider even if you have to pay for it yourself and not rely on some managed care program that obviously is not working at all.
Nice knowing I'm not alone in stories about trouble w/ multitasking. My anxiety disorder is part of it, but I believe if I could learn how to manage my stress, I could have a better chance of success in a job. Exercise is good. Seeking out people who give positive feedback and encourage me is the best:)
PS---should read Cheers--not heers.
Now stress free after Dr. Deen (neurology)placed a shunt in my brain to drain SPF. Dr.VanGerpen discovered the SPF excess and three days later Surgery took place. 3 days later I'm home enjoying "Friends" thanks to VanGerpen. 3 heers for both of them.
When I'm super stressed about something, I stop and think about people who have it worse than me. There's always someone with bigger problems than mine. Not that it diminishes the importance of my own problems in my life, but it helps me keep them in perspective.
I get overwhelmed easily these days with work,home,relationship,blah,blah,blah......and get stresssed out BIG time!!! I've come to realize that I cause all my own stress so I should be able to alleviate or eliminate it! I'm working on it and I'll share with you all how I'm doing. As others have said,my pets bring me a lot of joy and are always there to greet me when I get home. I have a dog,5 cats and a bird. Take a deep breath,relax and think wonderful thoughts........until next time, Em
IIcn;t keepy solid down either; can't
sleep and bvouiolu can't type well (AFER 23 YEAARS of doing same)...any commmuicatioonn with sooooomeonesufferingf from this consditioon and any suggstistions for moninoritiging this pain will be ssoooooooooooooo appreciatded.
My pets help me deal with stress. They're so happy to see me when I get home from work. Even at the end of a very busy and stressful day, they calm me down.
I didn't even know I was stressed out. But as my boyfriend cautiously pointed out, I must be. I am always running 90 miles an hour, I have chronic chest tightness, difficulty breathing regularly, an infection that won't go away, paranoia, awful circular thoughts ("catastrophizing"), low self-esteem, several extra pounds and incredible irritability and unhappy days. I am a student full-time with challenging courses(I want to be a doctor) and I also work full-time as a waitress to pay the bills. I hate my job but I can't quit work or I'll have to quit school and school's what keeps me going, stressful as it may be. I've read all the "meditate/yoga" suggestions. When I meditate, my head spins. I exercise about 5 days a week, including some yoga. I can't afford to go see a doctor because I can't afford health insurance. I was seeing a counselor, who said I'm fine and "graduated" me. Help! Any advice that I have not already heard/read would be appreciated! I wa
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My daughter has been sick for five years, beginning when she became pregnant.Since the birth she has gotten sick periodically.This time she has been sick for 5 months, extreme vomiting, doesn't urinate often,lost 50 or so pounds,can't keep no solid foods down at all and liquids some days, dehydration to the point of putting in a mediport because her veins blow out constantly when trying to give her fluids.All sorts of tests have been run and nothing found.Since they can find no specific cause, the doctors have now said they think it is stress related. I know she is stressed, having been vomiting every day for 5 months, but I am not completely convinced that stress is the cause, but she is going to counseling to help deal. The doctor says this is how her brain has been programmed to deal with stress.Change your life or die - that's what they said! I just hope they know what they are talking about and haven't missed something!
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