Written by Michelle Nguyen
Edited by Lesley Pham
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed throughout your daily life? Whether it be worrying about an upcoming test, struggling with your plans, or more, we, as human beings, have all experienced some form of stress in our lives.
Graphic made by Michelle Nguyen, from Arts for Relief
The phrase “I’m so stressed” is often utilized to describe how one feels in states of pressure, sadness, etc. However, the side effects of stress are often not taken with weight, despite having effects on individuals’ mental health. April is Stress Awareness Month and a great time to start educating yourself and your peers on what stress is, how to healthily manage it and to know when to reach out for help.
What is stress?
Stress is defined as the body’s response to forms of pressure such as emotional, physical, and mental pressure. Despite how stress is a common feeling among people, each individual’s experience with stress is unique as levels of stress can range, and not all coping mechanisms apply to all cases. Though it is proven that short-term stress can have positive effects such as increased concentration, long-term feelings of stress need to be focused on to prevent poor long-term mental and physical health.
What are the symptoms of stress? How are they connected to mental health and physical health?
According to the National Cancer Institute, “Stress causes chemical changes in the body that can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels… Long-term stress or high levels of stress may lead to mental and physical health problems.” Because humans are so prone to stress, its side effects can go ignored.
Symptoms such as low energy, headaches, stomachaches, nervousness, and restlessness are a few of the many signs of stress. If these symptoms are ongoing and left untreated, stress can lead to poor mental health and mental illness such as depression and anxiety. Stress can also manifest itself into physical symptoms and lead to serious health issues such as skin and hair problems, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and eating disorders.
Two personality types highlight an individual’s response to stress: Type A and Type B.
Type A individuals often respond to stress with agitation and possess traits such as competitiveness, impatience, and hostility. Because of their competitive nature, Type A individuals can overwork themselves and prioritize work and positive results over their mental health. Thus, this can lead to higher stress levels and negative effects on Type A individual’s mental health and physical health. As a result of high-stress levels and constant pressure, Type A individuals become more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.
On the other hand, Type B individuals respond to stress in a relaxed and patient manner. These individuals are more tolerant of difficulties and can manage their stress well. Research has shown that more than twice of Type A individuals developed coronary disease than Type B.
However, this does not mean that the struggles of Type A individuals are less valid. Every human being has different personality traits that are shaped by their environment and experience, and falling under the Type A personality category does not define them as a whole; it just identifies their stress response.
With this knowledge, how can you better manage your stress and understand the significance behind the symptoms?
Again, stress is a universal experience and everyone has distinct ways of managing their stress. It is important to experiment with different healthy coping mechanisms and most importantly, reach out to a professional if your stress levels become unmanageable. Below are just a few ways that may help you in times of stress.
1. Pay attention to your health.
Sometimes life hits you hard and everything feels out of your control. Though it may be difficult to take care of yourself, making sure you are eating healthily, exercising, and sleeping well can help reduce stress.
2. Be vulnerable and honest with yourself.
Opening up about your emotions and struggles is hard. However, if you have somebody you trust, being vulnerable instead of hiding your feelings can be relieving. If you are not comfortable with reaching out to your peers, journaling and keeping diaries are ways to express your feelings.
3. Recognize when you need help.
All struggles are valid, including feelings of stress. Before your stress levels become severe, please recognize symptoms and reach out for help. Individuals such as school counselors, school psychologists, and online mental health lines are resources to use during trying times.
Stress is a common experience among humans, but we should not ignore its side effects and should have conversations regarding it.
Though April and Stress Awareness Month are coming to an end, please continue to acknowledge the effects of stress, reach out to others when needed, and continue having important conversations regarding stress.
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