Many people can help themselves reduce their vulnerability to stress by altering their mental perceptions of daily events.   Some of us act as if the goal of life is to finish, when life should be viewed as a journey, not a destination.  We are modified and influenced by our environment and past behavior, yet we would do well to remember that we have the power and tools to modify our behavior.  Change is indeed possible.  Awareness leads to choice, which leads to the practice of new behaviors, which in time leads to better habits and a healthier lifestyle.  By making choices to adjust our attitudes and perceptions regarding our lives, we prevent the helplessness that causes debilitating stress and depression.

How well we respond to the stress inducing situations in our lives id directly related to our level of confidence in being able to deal with these stresses.  Making a conscious effort to alter one's behavior gives us the power and control over our daily decisions and feelings.  Therefore, we develop new coping tools and reinforce those tools each time we choose to alter our perceptions in order to deal with those less then perfect situations.

People respond differently to outside stimuli or "stress."  We feel powerful in dealing with some types of and helpless in dealing with others.  If the helplessness is too great, it triggers depression, and depression produces more stress.  Stress has been proven to lower the production of chemicals present in the brain that act as natural mood elevators and fight depression.  If the condition is worsened by negative thinking, the depression may linger to the point that professional help is needed.  The earlier treatment is received for stress and depression, the better, because depression tends to feed on itself, causing medical problems such as sleep and eating disorders, and others that can be very devastating if untreated.

COPING STRATEGIES

• Talk to someone close to you about how you feel. 

• Lower the demands on yourself temporary, until your mental energy has increased.

• Recognize that "this to shall pass."

• Guard against excessive eating drinking and eating, Exercise

• Practice grace under pressure.

• Recognize the importance of unconditional love.

• Remember that stress is an attitude.

• Remember that you have options.

• Look at problems as challenges.

• Unclutter your life.

• Avoid negative people.

• Work on humor.

• Strive for excellence, not perfection.

If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of stress and depression, please call the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002 for a free, confidential assessment and help in finding the treatment necessary to recover.

Return to Top of Page