How to identify and cope with our stress triggers

We all get stressed at some point in our life. Disease, finances, spouses, children or even our jobs are some of the common stressers that we encounter everyday. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • However, the things that cause stress in one person may be of little consequence to another. Also, some people handle stress better than others. 
  • There are many symptoms of stress, some are obvious while others are very deeply rooted that it becomes hard to recognise. Sometimes, a stressed person may not even be aware that they are stressed.  Symptoms of chronic stress include;

We all get stressed at some point in our life. Disease, finances, spouses, children or even our jobs are some of the common stressers that we encounter everyday.

However, the things that cause stress in one person may be of little consequence to another. Also, some people handle stress better than others. 

Some people become used to some stress triggers that their body and mind develops some sought of immunity such that some issues stop stressing them. But in others, little stressors can pose a health risk.

There are many symptoms of stress, some are obvious while others are very deeply rooted that it becomes hard to recognise. Sometimes, a stressed person may not even be aware that they are stressed.  Symptoms of chronic stress include;

• Constant headaches, aches and pains, insomnia, frequent colds and infections, chest pains and rapid heart beat.

• Person becomes easily agitated, frustrated or moody.

• Feel overwhelmed and as if you are loosing control.

• When you start feeling a sense of worthlessness, bad about yourself, or lonely even in the midst of many people .

• When your mind seem to be at an override and you cant seem to relax or quieten your mind.

•   Avoiding people.

• Stress can also manifest physically in lack of energy or sexual drive, upset stomach.

• Other tell tale signs are ringing on of ears, shaking, and nervousness, cold or sweaty hands and feet, dry mouth or even  difficulty swallowing

• Cognitive symptoms include forgetfulness, inability to focus, poor judgement, disorganisation, and constant worrying.

• Stress causes behavioural symptoms such as changes in appetite either over eating or not eating at all. Procrastinating, nail biting, fidgeting or pacing.

• Indulgence in self-destructive behaviour such as alcohol  or drug abuse.

Learning to cope with stress starts with understanding the stress triggers and trying to manage it as much as possible.