COPING WITH STRESS

FROM:  USA.GOV
Alleviate Stress: Help Coping with Life’s Tensions
It’s easy to let the little stresses of life pile up and overwhelm you all at once. With so many ongoing activities and events at work and at home, it’s easy to feel anxiety build up – usually at the worst moment. USA.gov can help put things in perspective with these helpful resources:

Constantly being on the go can be an added stress to an already busy day. The National Center for Telehealth and Technology has a free app, Breathe2Relax, available on androids and iPhones. The app includes instructions and practice exercises to help you conquer stress management. Breathing exercises have proven to help improve moods and lessen anxiety.

Stress can come in all different forms, and can affect you on many levels. Physically, you may notice a faster heart beat, rapid breathing, trembling and more. While certain life events like starting a new job or moving are typical stressful events, learn when it is time to contact a medical professional. Panic attacks and thoughts of fears you cannot control are critical moments to reach out to a medical professional.
Having some everyday stress is normal, and even healthy. But too much stress can lead to other unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles. Take the quick “Stress-o-meter” quiz to get your personal stress profile and make sure you aren’t letting life’s little tensions build up to an unhealthy level.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or severe emotional distress, call 1-800-273- TALK (1-800-273-8255), or if it is a medical emergency, call 911. USA.gov offers many resources on specific mental health conditions as well as substance abuse effects on mental health. You can learn about particular disorders and mental health topics from information across the federal government.