Stress Management: Learning to Take Back Control

In modern life, stress is everywhere, especially in major cities like Shanghai. For expatriates and their families, often they face further stress in dealing with cultural and lifestyle adjustments, which can become apparent as either acute or chronic stress; locals also face abundant sources of stress at work, school and home. Understanding stress and knowing how to effectively manage it is critically important to leading a balanced life in the city.

Symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but the most universal sign of stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed. Other symptoms may include: physical complaints such as headaches, chest pain, nausea and diarrhea; problems getting along with family and friends; changes in behavior such as developing a short temper, unexplained anger, or crying for no reason; regression or behavior that is not age-appropriate; dysfunctional sleeping patterns; difficulty communicating or personality changes; impatience. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, chances are that your level of stress is high.

Stress also has negative impacts on both our mental and physical health. Acute stress may cause post-traumatic stress disorder or adjustment disorder. Chronic stress puts you at increased risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, headaches and memory impairment. In addition, stress also may affect your behavior leading to angry outbursts, over- or under-eating, alcohol or drug abuse, or numerous other problems.

Simply put, stress has the potential to overwhelm you and your life if you do not get it under control. Thankfully, we can reassert command by using a variety of stress management techniques. These include engaging in physical activities, practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or Tai Chi, reaching out for social support, simplifying your life, getting enough quality sleep, journaling by writing whatever comes to your mind, laughing whenever possible, thinking positively, or being assertive when appropriate.

In cases where you feel it is too difficult to manage stress and its negative effects alone, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. We are trained to identify your sources of stress and assess their level of severity. We then assist you in identifying and changing any unhealthy reactions, provide critical psychological support and help you develop effective and individualized ways to cope with your stress. Most importantly, quick diagnosis coupled with stress management can help you get back to focusing on and enjoying your family, work and life here in Shanghai.

Reference:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/default.htm