Story by Sgt. Joshua Cox
From the Marine Corps Air Station New River
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. – Stress is a positive and negative consequential facet of the human condition. In life, people occasionally reach a point when stress seems to overcome and take over for a brief, or sometimes extended period of time. In some cases, stress can lead to severe anxiety or even depression. Different people deal with stress in various ways, and the common emotions and frustrating feelings associated with stress are not abnormal.
“What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else,” according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Sometimes stress is helpful – it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems.”
How people handle stress can be very abnormal: Some people abuse alcohol, avoid social situations, take life-threatening risks or gamble when life’s perils become overwhelming.
For example, some people carelessly operate motor vehicles, binge drink or recklessly spend money while stressed to feel some type of temporary relief. Others may seclude themselves, fall into a deep depression, contemplate self-destructive behaviors or even attempt suicide. The tough guy speeding on a motorcycle to relieve stress has a lot in common with the recluse who pounds alcohol to forget everything.
In short, reckless behavior is not a healthy way to deal with stress and anxiety, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Stress can cause many health issues aside from depression: Stress can also lead to hypertension, headache, backache, neck problems, stomachache, tight muscles, clenched jaw, anger and anxiety – among others, according to the American Heart Association.
Additionally, “Some physical signs of stress may be caused by your medical condition or by medicines you take. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your physical symptoms, ask your doctor if stress might be the cause.”
Finding a better way to deal with stress: Overwhelming stress can be a huge obstacle for just about anyone. Self-destructive behavior is certainly not the answer.
When stress begins to really affect the daily routine, try to develop a crisis plan. Create a simple list of things to do when stress becomes too much to handle. Take a break, call a friend, practice a hobby or read a favorite magazine. The key is to do something to reduce the stress in a healthy manner. Some people meditate while stressed to relax. It is important to take part in a healthy activity when stress levels peak. If the stressful situation cannot be interrupted, try to focus on the task at hand, and use the remaining energy to meditate and relax.
More options to reduce stress: Many people talk to a counselor or chaplain in order to better cope with stress. These professionals can give plenty of insight and can help solve problems. Service members and their families can access military chaplains, Marine and Family Services counselors, primary health care providers and Military One Source counselors, just to name a few.
People occasionally reach a point when stress seems to overcome and take over, and it’s ok; resources are available to help service members and their families cope with life’s perils, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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