STRESS!

These days stress is unavoidable. Stress is related to external and internal factors and how we react to those factors. The events that promote stress are called stressors and include a wide range of things from challenges at work or school, performing in front of others, or a demanding schedule, to physical danger or a life-threatening illness.

Although just enough stress can be a good thing, too much stress can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, especially if the stressors are compounded or continue over a long period of time.

Below are listed some warning signs and symptoms to watch for that will signal that you may need to make some changes in your life to ease the pressure and give yourself a needed break.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory problems
• Indecisiveness
• Inability to concentrate
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying
• Loss of objectivity
• Fearful anticipation

Emotional Symptoms

• Moodiness
• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Short temper
• Irritability, impatience
• Inability to relax
• Feeling tense and “on edge”
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches or backaches
• Muscle tension and stiffness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Insomnia
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
• Weight gain or loss
• Skin breakouts (hives, eczema)
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent colds

Behavioral Symptoms

• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating from others
• Procrastinating, neglecting responsibilities
• Using drugs or alcohol to relax
• Nervous habits
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Overdoing activities (shopping, gambling, etc.)
• Overreacting to problems
• Picking fights with others

Okay, so now we know more about stress and what to watch for. How do we know when are symptoms are severe enough that we need to seek professional help for our children or ourselves?

You need to seek professional help when:

1. You are unable to function
2. Your symptoms are negatively affecting your relationships
3. You are experiencing extreme feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
4. You are experiencing ongoing depressive symptoms
5. You are having panic attacks
6. You have suicidal thoughts or are desperate to make the pain stop
7. You are worried about yourself or others are worried about you
8. Your symptoms last longer than a few days or a week

If you are in doubt, ask a close friend or a family member. Sometimes they recognize the symptoms and warning signs first.

If you suspect that You or Someone You Care About Needs Help, you may find my contact information on my website at http://www.rhondamoore.vpweb.com/.

Handling The Emotional Aftermath of IKE

During the actual hurricane, you may have found that you were energetic and felt confident in your ability to prepare for the hurricane. You may have coped just fine with the immediate emergency.

As the weeks wear on, you are now in the aftermath of the disaster which can take an emotional as well as a physical toll on you. Some of you may be finding it hard to return to your normal routine. This is to be expected.

Many of you have suffered loss, loss of property, loss of employment, loss of community, and some of you have suffered the greatest loss of all, loss of a loved one. Sadness and grief are natural after any loss.

Some of you may be feeling guilty wondering why your home and personal property were spared or why you came through so easily. You may find yourself, at various times during your day, thinking about those whose lives have been negatively affected. This is known as survivor guilt and is often associated with disasters where the suffering is randomly distributed.

Others of you may now dwell on the what ifs, what if it happens again, what if it had happened to me, what if it is worse the next time, and so on. You may find that you are fearful and worried about the future. A certain amount of this kind of thinking is natural for some individuals.

How do you know if what you are experiencing is normal or is a sign that you need help from a professional such as a therapist or a counselor? Below are listed some Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress. If you have any of these symptoms and if they last longer than one week, it is recommended you seek out professional help.

1. Re-experiencing the event through vivid memories, flashbacks, or nightmares.


2. Feeling emotionally "numb".


3. Feeling overwhelmed by what would normally be considered everyday situations and/or having diminished interest in performing normal tasks or pursuing usual interests.


4. Crying jags or crying uncontrollably.


5. Isolating from family and friends or avoiding social situations.


6. Relying increasingly on alcohol or drugs to get through the day.


7. Feeling extremely moody, irritable, angry, suspicious, or frightened.


8. Having difficulty falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much.


9. Feeling guilty about surviving the event or being unable to solve the problem, change the event, or prevent the disaster.


10. Having a sense of doom about the future or feeling generally fearful without a focus for the fear.

Many of you may have concerns about your children or adolescents. You may be wondering if they need help as well. Below are listed Signs to Watch for in Your Children that signal the need for professional assistance.

1. Nightmares, night terrors, or sleep disturbances.


2. Crying jags.


3. Irritable or moody.


4. Isolating.


5. Fearful or not wanting to be alone. Watch for new fears such as fear of the dark, fear of strangers, or fear of thunderstorms.


6. Exaggerated startle reflex.


7. Loss of interest in school or extra-curricular activities.


8. Drop in grades or quality of school work.


9. Sadness.


10. Developmental regression, i.e. a four year old suddenly wanting to suck on a pacifier or a 14 year old carrying around their baby blanket or other comfort item.


11. Signs of substance abuse.


12. Acting out or defiant behaviors.

If you suspect that You or Someone You Care About Needs Help, you may find my contact information on my website at http://www.rhondamoore.vpweb.com/.