Stress is an unavoidable part of life and can have both positive and negative effects on our mental and physical health. Although some stress can be beneficial, long-term or extreme stress can be debilitating and can lead to serious health problems. Knowing when to seek help for stress is important in order to maintain your mental and physical well-being.
Signs You Should Seek Help for Stress
When stress begins to cause physical or emotional discomfort, it is important to seek help. Common signs that it is time to seek help for stress include:
Insomnia: Stress can lead to difficulty sleeping, either difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Anxiety: Stress can cause feelings of anxiety, fear, restlessness, and panic.
Depression: Stress can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Headaches: Stress can cause tension headaches, as well as migraines.
Irritability: Stress can lead to a short temper, easily provoked anger, and frequent emotional outbursts.
Changes in Appetite: Stress can lead to changes in appetite, such as decreased appetite or cravings for unhealthy foods.
When to Seek Help for Stress
If any of the above signs are present, it is important to seek help for stress. If the stress is mild, talking to a friend or loved one may be helpful. If the stress is more severe, or if it is causing serious physical or emotional discomfort, it is important to seek professional help. Professional help can come in the form of counseling, therapy, or medication. Seeking help for stress is the best way to ensure that it does not become a long-term problem.
