Coping with it

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- When a person feels so overwhelmed he can't handle what's on his plate, too much stress may be a key factor.

According to the 43rd Medical Group, stress is a normal part of life and each individual handles it in different ways. The important thing to do is maintain the stress at a manageable level.

The MDG said emotionally, a person may feel apathetic, restless, irritable, preoccupied, worthless, insecure, agitated or depressed. Physically, stress may result in a person being worn out and/or frequently ill, having indigestion and/or frequent headaches, or having a change in appetite.

A stressed individual may be more socially withdrawn or isolated, neglecting responsibilities, misusing alcohol or other drugs, involved in domestic violence or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

There are several ways to manage stress. You can come to your own rescue or reach out to others for help. There are three areas everyone can focus on that can give you a head start in the war against stress.

Those areas are getting quality rest (seven to eight hours of sleep per night), developing and maintaining a healthy diet, and getting aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least three times per week. Make these habits part of your routine, and you will already be wrapped in stress protective armor.

Also, set aside time in your day to relax. This can be done in many different ways but requires at least four ingredients for success. These four items are having a quiet place, maintaining a passive attitude allowing you to relax instead of forcing you to, being physically comfortable, and having something simple to focus your mind on so you are not distracted.

Mike Lydon, Family Advocacy Outreach manager recommends participating in the base family fun events and taking the time to play all together as a family and one-on-one with each member. For example, having a father-son day out as well as a father-daughter, mother-son, etc. Mr. Lydon also said spirituality helps in most stressful situations.

"Sharing spirituality together at church or in family prayer, even if it is simply saying grace at meals can have a very calming effect that most family rituals and traditions do. Mr. Lydon also recommends taking a family walk or exercising together, as well as relaxing and practicing deep breathing. Hobbies are another powerful way to reduce stress.

"The importance of including fun, humor and laughter in your life can not be emphasized enough; whether it be telling jokes, watching comedies together on television or viewing humorous movies."

People usually know when they are feeling overwhelmed, threatened or when the resources in their lives are unable to meet the demands in their lives, which we will operationally define as stress. Other signs include being easily startled, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, hyper alertness and difficulty with relationships at home and work.

Some people actually perform better under certain levels of stress such as making that game winning point in the last minute of a championship playoff. However, everyone has a certain level of stress when performance and the person's well being will begin to suffer.

Collective stress or cumulative stress can have very negative effects causing both mental health conditions, such as acute stress disorder as well as other medical conditions contributing to the onset of chronic diseases.

To accomplish these goals and to keep stress at a manageable level, seek help from a supervisor, first sergeant or commander or you can approach any of the following agencies:

Behavioral Health: 394-4700
Family Advocacy: 394-4700
Family Support Center: 394-2538
Chaplain's office: 394-2677
Health and Wellness Center: 394-4292
Fitness Center: 394-2671
Youth Center: 394-4512
Primary Care Clinic: 394-4258