Stress & Life Adjustments
Stress is an inevitable part of life that affects everyone at some point. Stress can take different forms, and not all of them are harmful. For example, some types of stress can help us perform better, respond to danger, or prepare for a challenging life event. However, some stressors can be perceived as negative life events, such as pressures from work, school, family, loss of a job, divorce, healthcare, death, the economy, political issues, or climate change. It's essential to recognize the different types of stress and learn how to cope with them effectively to maintain a healthy and balanced life.
Stress can come in various forms, some of which may be related to traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, environmental violence, assaults, war, discrimination, or accidents. It can be experienced as a short-term or chronic condition. It can have adverse effects on both psychological and physical health. Unaddressed long-term or chronic stress can harm various body systems, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Experiencing stress can have cumulative effects on our mental and physical health.
How we cope with stress varies from person to person. Some may handle stressful situations better than others. However, for some individuals, stress can lead to the manifestation of anxiety, depression, fear-based reactions, dissociation, anger, aggression, or dysphoric symptoms. Stress can also cause physical health problems, such as somatic complaints. Adolescents and adults may suffer from post-traumatic stress, acute stress, adjustment problems, or other specified trauma and stress-related issues.
At The Main Foundation, our therapists are trained to accurately assess and treat stress and adjustment issues.