• Stress is a part of everyday life.  It is experienced differently by each person, however it generally includes an uneasy feeling of some type.
• It is commonly a result of some change and the fear of such change, whether large or small, including at times either positive or negative experiences.  It is the change and sense of loss of control to what is familiar that results in such difficult emotional state.
• Typical events that may result in stress include: moving, getting married or divorced, sudden poor health (or illness of someone close in your life), changes in your job/career situation, threats to financial stability, having to make significant/critical decisions, personal or career pressures that may involve excessive compromise of your values or beliefs, significant loss through death or separation of a loved one, or the triggered memory of such loss.
• Symptoms of physical, (body) stress include: headaches, over-tiredness, difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, (sleep disruption), increased/abnormal blood pressure, rapid heart rate, upset stomach or frequent diarrhea, tenseness of muscles (soreness of the neck, shoulders or back), increased or excessive pattern of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse or over eating.
• Symptoms of emotional stress include:  Worrying, feelings of helplessness, feeling “keyed-up”, increased irritability and undefined fear/scared.

What are some options for managing stress?     

• Talk over your concerns or experiences with a friend, write your feelings down in a journal (some people use a daily reflective journal),  take time for yourself to gain insight and re-establish a sense of balance, become aware of your counterproductive behaviors (over-eating, excessive use of cigarettes and or alcohol), develop outlets to your anger or irritability by exercising (if recommended safe by your physician), reading, or other forms of relaxing.  
• Spend time with others and change the way you relate to those close to you, begin to accept and appreciate yourself more often, and avoid rushing to negative conclusions, (“catastrophic thinking”).
• Consult your family physician or a local licensed mental health professional if such above stress symptoms persist and interfere in your life.