This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Most people are far more familiar with the feeling of stress than they’d care to admit. Whether from work, school, their relationship, bills, health problems, or childcare responsibilities, the demands of everyday life can add up and quickly become overwhelming.
Stress impacts people in different ways, and some people are more equipped to cope with it than others. The tools, resources, and support system an individual has can determine whether stress causes them to shut down or spurs them to make positive changes to move forward.
Although stress can create both physical and mental health consequences, we’ll focus on the latter in this article. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of stress on mental well-being and how you can avoid these negative outcomes by adopting healthy coping strategies.
Stress And Mental Health Disorders
One of the most prominent impacts of stress is that it can increase our susceptibility to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Common symptoms of stress include difficulty concentrating, irritability, and racing thoughts. Each of these conditions can lead to further consequences, particularly if left untreated.
- Substance Use Disorders: People may try to cope with their symptoms in several different ways, including unhealthy methods like consuming alcohol or drugs. While this may offer temporary relief, it doesn’t solve the problem, and many individuals end up developing a substance use disorder which only adds to their stress.
- Depression: When people try to alleviate their symptoms to no avail and continue to feel the weight of their stress, it can cause them to feel hopeless and powerless in changing their circumstances, often leading to depression. Depression can further inhibit their ability to create change in their lives, causing symptoms like fatigue, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, decreased energy, and a persistently low mood.
- Anxiety: Stress may also contribute to anxiety, as individuals may struggle to stop ruminating on their worries, responsibilities, and to-do lists. When unexpected and traumatic life events come up and become too much, anxiety can be a natural byproduct.
Each of these disorders can affect people in unique ways and to varying degrees. Finding outlets to reduce your stress and seeking support sooner rather than later can be key to living a more productive, peaceful life.
Stress And Concentration
Stress can also cause lower productivity and concentration, affecting an individual’s ability to perform at work or school. They may not complete their assignments or work duties on time or have difficulty showing up altogether.
When you’re consumed by your worries, it can be even more challenging to find solutions to your stressors, which often leaves people in a negative cycle of stress that can be tough to get out of. However, there are methods and resources available to help you find some relief. To learn more about coping with stress in places like work, consider visiting the following link: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stress/33-ways-to-deal-with-work-stress/
Coping With Stress
Stress affects everyone differently, but it is possible to build resiliency over time by finding effective coping strategies. Some helpful ways to cope with stress include:
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Attending therapy
- Deep breathing exercises
- Exercising
- Spending time with loved ones
- Taking a bath
- Saying “no”
- Reading
- Building a routine
- Doing arts or crafts
- Listening to music
Some of these activities and tips may sound appealing to you, while others might seem unhelpful or impractical. Everyone copes with stress in unique ways, and it’s important to try new techniques until you find what works for you.
Maintaining A Long-Term Outlook
Confronting stress head-on and as early as possible can be crucial, as the effects of stress often add up and worsen over time. While your stress levels may seem manageable now, it’s easy to suddenly find yourself overwhelmed when something unexpected is added to your plate. By being proactive about your mental health and doing everything in your power to protect it, you can set yourself up for a productive lifestyle free from the heavy weight of stress.
