Any life changes bring stress, but sometimes those changes are significant enough to cause stress that may feel almost unbearable. Those changes can range from losing a job, a death in the family, or a severe health condition. Lori Jenkins, APN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, at Mind and Body Healthcare, can help patients throughout Tennessee and Kentucky with telepsychiatry services. If you’re experiencing a life event that’s hard to manage, email Mind and Body Healthcare or use the online scheduling feature to book an appointment today.
A life crisis is a period of disorganization where a person experiences an event that causes a loss or is an obstacle to an important life goal. These experiences can cause a life crisis which can be highly stressful. Common life crises that can trigger emotional distress are the death of a family member, divorce, injury or illness, and losing a job.
Even seemingly positive events can cause feelings of crisis, like getting married or retiring. They can cause stress levels to peak, and your physical and mental health may suffer.
Stress and trauma don’t just create burdens mentally, but physically as well. In fact, chronic stress can disrupt nearly every system in your body.
Your immune, reproductive, and digestive systems all react to stress, and it’s been known to cause heart conditions and speed up the overall aging process.
Additionally, stress can cause cognitive issues including memory loss, poor judgment, the inability to concentrate, and constant worrying. When these issues aren’t managed, stress can actually rewire your brain, causing you to become more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Naturally, people want to build resilience to deal with the challenges that life poses. There are some steps that help to deal with the stress that can be overwhelming, including:
When you deal with the aftereffects of life-changing events, it can help to narrow your focus into what is truly important. Conserving your physical and emotional energy when they’re already taxed helps to allow you to recover.
Support can come in many forms from ordering takeout to seeking comfort from your friends.
Self-care can range from breathing techniques to lower your stress response to eating a healthy diet, exercising, or even just taking a long bath. Try to offer yourself as much comfort as possible.
While we always want things to get “back to normal,” that isn’t an option in many crisis situations. Give yourself a grace period to adapt to the new changes you’re facing.
When a life crisis keeps you from functioning in a healthy way, it becomes increasingly important to elicit help from an expert. Professional support can give you the tools to cope with the problems that seem insurmountable and find treatments to navigate this trying time.
Lori at Mind and Body Healthcare is committed to helping patients deal with chronic stress and navigating life crises in a way that improves their overall health. To make an appointment, email Mind and Body Healthcare or use the online booking system today.
