No, stress is not always bad. A moderate level of stress can help us perform better in challenging situations. For instance, during examinations or in work-related scenarios, being stressed motivates us to focus. However, too much stress can get overwhelming and cause us to react negatively, manifesting in numerous health problems.
Right away! Managing stress is a continuous and daily process, and it is never too early or too late to make it a lifestyle habit.
Though there are a number of ways in which you can help yourself, being guided by a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can help you talk about your stress, identify the main causes, and enable you with tips to manage it.
Severe stress can make you easily agitated and moody, overwhelmed with a sense that you are losing control over the situation, vulnerable to experiencing feelings of worthlessness, and unable to relax. It is recommended to seek professional help in such situations.
Medicines help when taken for a brief period, but a long-term effective solution to cope with stress is to adopt stress relaxation and management techniques. Please consult a psychiatrist before taking medication.
Stress and anxiety are not interchangeable terms, though the physical sensations may be very similar. Stress is the body’s reaction to a situation that requires a physical, mental, or emotional adjustment or response. It can have both positive and negative impact.
Anxiety, on the other hand, often comes from a place of fear, uneasiness, or worry. While it is common to experience anxiety in our daily life, it can also manifest itself in the form of panic attacks, phobia, social anxiety and many other related symptoms. Further, stress can be a temporary condition, while anxiety can be more lasting, persistent and pervasive.
Although it is left to individual discretion, there is no reason why you should not.
There should be no hesitation in seeking mental health support. Visiting a mental health professional is the same as visiting a physician when you catch a fever or break a bone.
