Most of us know that stress can have a powerful effect on our overall well being. Not only does our stress level affect how we feel on a daily basis, long-term stress is a risk factor for illnesses like high blood pressure, anxiety, and stroke. The good news is that being prepared for emotional stress can help you deal with it more effectively, ameliorating the impact on your health. Read on for five emotional stressors to watch out for.
1. Financial Difficulties
Many Americans are faced with the effects of the recent U.S. recession. Unemployment, inability to sell one's home, credit card debt, foreclosure, and other finance worries can have a serious impact on one's health. If you feel like you are unable to manage your finances, or have been struggling to find work, a counselor may be able to help.
2. Change in Job Status
Obviously, being laid off from your job is a very difficult time emotionally for you and your family. However, did you know that even positive events can cause emotional stress? This means that getting a new job, even if it's a role that you are excited about, is a source of stress as you make the transition. This can be true for a promotion within the same company as well.
3. Marriage and Divorce
Again, divorce and/or marital strife are known stressors that cause emotional pain for the entire family. But even the happiest union can cause stress during the transition from engagement to marriage. And the disagreements that all couples have, even in the healthiest relationships, can also be stressful. If you are experiencing any type of marital stress you should think of enlisting the help of a divorce mediation professional. They can help you communicate with your spouse in a judge free environment to push through your issues.
4. Health Crisis
Just as mental health and stress affects your physical well-being, illness or injury is also a major cause of emotional stress. This is true whether you are the person who is ill or if you are a caretaker to a sick loved one (particularly a child or a parent).
5. Busy Schedule
You might think that you are packing every second of your day so that you can work and take care of your family as effectively as possible. The reality is, however, that if you're not building in downtime for yourself, you run the risk of running yourself down emotionally. Don't be afraid to slow down--the alternative might be ending up on the sidelines altogether.
While stress is a natural part of life that can usually be handled with awareness and self-care, see your doctor right away if you feel that chronic stress is affecting your quality of life.