The war with Iraq and the threat of terrorist attacks at home are creating increased levels of stress among Americans. Stress makes it more difficult to cope with everyday tasks and puts people at risk of other health problems, such as high blood pressure. It is possible to deal with stress in a healthy manner. First, however, one must recognize the signs of stress overload and then take steps to manage the stress load at appropriate levels.

The following are warning signs of stress overload for adults:

• Persistent fatigue

• Inability to concentrate

• Poor work performance

• Flashes of anger – lashing out at family, friends, and coworkers

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs

• Repeated tension headaches, lower backaches, stomach problems or other physical ailments

• Prolonged feelings of depression, anxiety or helplessness

The following are several steps to help manage stress overload for adults:

• Stay connected. Do not withdraw. Talk to family, friends, and if need be, a professional counselor or physician about your feelings.

• Get physical. Exercise reduces stress. Walking, gardening and outside activities are particularly effective.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Depressants rob you of your energy and distort your perceptions.

• Slow down. Take time off from work or other stressful activities. Try to reduce the amount of time you spend worrying. Think about positive things and do something nice for yourself and/or others.

• Take back some control. You can’t control war events but you can control some things associated with the war. Send a donation to a war relief fund, write letters to someone in the military, or volunteer to help an organization that contributes to the war effort.

• Stay in touch with your spirituality. In difficult times many people find solace in their faith and their connection with a spiritual community.

• Seek professional help. If you feel your problem is more serious and you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, hopelessness or extreme anger, seek help. This is especially important for persons who live with depression, substance abuse problems, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The following are warning signs of stress overload for children:

• Fears and anxieties

• Crying and excessive clinging

• Fear of being left alone/fear of the dark

• Sleeplessness

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Extreme anger or disobedience

• Reluctance to go to school

• Behavior problems in school

• Poor school performance

• Obsessions with morbid games and subject matter

The following are several steps to help manage stress overload for children:

• Encourage children to ask questions. Listen to what they say. Provide comfort and assurance that address their specific fears. Its okay to admit you can’t answer all of their questions.

• Talk on their level. Communicate with your children in a way they can understand. Don’t get too technical. Find out what frightens them. Encourage your children to talk about their fears.

• Pay attention. Your children’s play and drawings may give you a glimpse into their questions and concerns.

• Develop a plan. Establish a family emergency plan for the future, such as a meeting place where everyone should gather should something unexpected happen in your family or community.

• Seek professional help. If you feel your child’s problem is serious and they are experiencing thoughts of suicide, hopelessness or extreme anger, seek help. This is especially important for persons who live with depression, substance abuse problems, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Information acquired from the National Mental Health Association website @ www.nmha.org
and SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center @ www.mentalhealth.org.