Useful Links

www.mentalhealthireland.ie

www.schizophreniaireland.ie

www.bbc.co.uk/health/

mental/help_orgs.shtml

Stress

Everybody experiences stress - you may be nervous about exams or going to an interview, family or friends putting too much pressure on you etc. This is normal and we all need a certain amount of stress to remain alert and to work to our best.

Most people will be able to cope with this amount of stress most of the time. But it is when stress becomes excessive and begins to have a physical and psychological (affecting your mental state) effect on you, that it could become harmful.

The physical symptoms of excessive stress include
• Headache

• Backache

• Indigestion

• Raised blood pressure

• Sweaty hands

• Eating more or less than usual

• Smoking more

• Drinking more

• Fidgeting

• Always rushing about

The psychological symptoms of excessive stress include
• Feeling run down

• Tiredness

• Insomnia

• Finding it difficult to concentrate

• Depression

If you recognise the above symptoms and you think you are suffering from excessive stress then it is important to learn how to relax - maybe take up a yoga class. If stress is really taking over your life, talk to your local doctor about how to cope with it.

How can I cope with stress?
If you are experiencing stress symptoms. you need to reduce the stress in your life.
• Identify areas of your life in which stress occurs. Don't ignore it.

• Observe how your body responds to stress

• Recognise, how your body responds to stress.

• Know and accept your strengths and weaknesses.

• Strive to change the source of stress and / or your reaction to it.

What can I do to help myself?
• Discuss problems with friends.

• Pursue attainable goals.

• Accept failure and disappointment.

If stress becomes a problem you may need to consult your General Practitioner.