Table of contents:
- Actually, what is stress?
- Then, what are the symptoms of physical stress?
- First level
- Second level
- Third level
- Fourth level
- Fifth level
- Then, when to go to a doctor or psychologist?
- How do you avoid stress?
Stress never leaves your life. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the symptoms of stress that appear, so that their condition gets worse and can even cause serious mental problems. So that this does not happen, you should know some characteristics when you are stressed.
Actually, what is stress?
According to mental health experts, stress is an adaptive response that is linked by individual psychological characteristics and processes. Stress can occur to a person when he is outside of his comfort zone, causing the body to respond differently than usual.
There are many things that can stress someone out. However, broadly the causes are divided into four, namely from oneself, the closest people, work, and the environment.
For example, when you face work demands, get into a fight with your partner, or you can even get depressed because of the goals you set yourself. Not to mention if the people around you are also feeling stressed and depressed, it is not impossible that this is contagious to you, you know.
Then, what are the symptoms of physical stress?
In fact, stress will cause several changes in the body. Well, this depends on the severity of stress experienced. Stress is divided into 5 levels, from mild to severe.
First level
At this stage, stress is still considered normal and is nothing to worry about. This means, stress is still light, can be handled properly. For example, when you are nervous about giving a public presentation.
You will remain confident to solve problems that arise and be able to control your emotions well. In fact, this does not affect your daily routine, you can still eat well, sleep well, and keep up the spirit of work.
Second level
This is indicated when the stress experienced has started to interfere with daily activities. For example, losing loved ones or breaking up with a partner. When tui occurs, various negative emotions will arise, such as anger, disappointment, sadness, or despair.
Usually, people who are in this condition will begin to feel unable to withstand the stress and pressure that exists. Therefore, various physical changes have started to appear, for example, body lethargy, lack of energy, heart palpitations, and muscle tension causing pain.
Third level
If the stress of the previous stage cannot be overcome, negative emotions will continue to emerge and eventually get worse. Well, the most typical symptom of third level stress is a change in bodily functions.
People with this level of stress usually have difficulty sleeping (insomnia), indigestion, such as acid reflux and frequent bowel movements or irregular urination. If the person experiencing this stress has other conditions, the symptoms of the disease will get worse.
Fourth level
Stress at this level is generally very difficult to overcome and indicates a critical condition. The reason is, negative emotions often appear without you knowing it, making it difficult for you to focus on something. In addition, stress can also interfere with chemical processes in the brain, thereby disrupting cognitive function.
If not treated immediately, stress symptoms get worse and can turn into depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. In fact, making someone commit suicide attempts so they are free from stress.
Fifth level
This level indicates that the stress experienced is not getting better and eventually getting worse. People with this condition, will withdraw from social life, cannot carry out daily activities properly, and feel in pain all day long.
The sooner the stress is handled, the faster the recovery will be. However, if the stress is very severe, it will usually require quite a long treatment. This can make the sufferer even more depressed and even discouraged, because they think they have no hope of recovery.
Then, when to go to a doctor or psychologist?
If you experience symptoms of stress and it is difficult to overcome them, immediately check with an expert, such as a psychologist or psychiatric specialist.
Usually, for second- and third-degree stressors, you can ask a psychologist for help. Meanwhile, for the fourth and fifth levels of stress, you need special care from a psychiatric specialist.
How do you avoid stress?
Stress that is left unchecked can develop into depression and cause various psychosomatic symptoms. Psychosomatic is a physical symptom that occurs due to psychiatric disorders.
For example, when you are stressed, symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, back pain, and other problems can interfere with activities.
Fortunately, you can avoid stress and this method I call stress management. Well, some ways to manage stress that you face every day are quite easy to do, including:
1. Understand yourself and find out why
The first step to dealing with stress is to find out what triggers or causes stress. Start looking for the reasons for the changes you feel, such as why you have become unfocused or have trouble sleeping recently.
Then, slowly you should practice your ability to control your emotions, strive to continue to think positively, and motivate yourself.
2. Looking for motivation from the environment
You know stress is contagious, right? Yes, for you to be free from stress you need to be surrounded by positive people. The creation of positive thoughts can change the way you think so that you perceive the problem that comes as a challenge, not a burden.
3. Do relaxation therapy
Stress usually appears when you are trying to find a way out of various problems. Even anxiety and doubt cannot be prevented and it ends up making you even more depressed.
Now, when this happens all you have to do is try to stay calm. Try to adjust your breathing, take a deep breath while closing your eyes. Then, slowly throw it away, thinking about the good things that happened to you.
This exercise makes you more relaxed, focused, and able to determine the best solution to solve problems. Apart from that, you can also spend a little time on it refreshing, like a vacation or doing something you love.
4. Try exercise
Exercise is not only healthy for the body but also makes you feel better in the mood. Especially if you are accompanied by someone closest to you, the atmosphere during sports becomes even more exciting.
The reason is, when you exercise, your body will increase the production of endorphins. This hormone plays a role in reducing pain, creating a feeling of calm, and happiness.
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