Stress - Types, Causes and Treatment

Stress is an unavoidable aspect of everyday life. Every person suffers from one form of stress or another at some point in their lives. The word "stress" is often associated with bad feelings, depression and fatigue. What many are not aware of is that there are good forms of stress, as well as bad. Stress can make one more productive, or it can cause sleeplessness, irritability and anxiety.

Eustress is the kind of stress felt before a big event, after winning a trophy, or in anticipation of a big promotion. This type of stress never lasts long, but the effects of this type of stress are positive rather than negative. Eustress gives us strength when we need it most. Most people do not regard that anxious anticipation as a form of "stress", but that is exactly what it is. Eustress is a positive stress. It gives us strength, motivation and inspiration.

The most common form of stress is called acute stress. In moderation, this form of stress can be exciting. Many people feel this type of stress before an important event. However, too much of this stress can be exhausting. This stress is brought on by the pressure of everyday life, be it a report to do in a short time, or an exciting event just past. Too much of this type of stress can cause very discomforting symptoms, such as tension headaches, nausea, anxiety, irritability and depression. Most people can recognize these symptoms of stress by just taking the time to look at how hectic their life has been lately. This type of stress is easily manageable and usually results in no serious long-term affects.

Chronic stress is possibly the most dangerous type of stress, along with post-traumatic stress disorder. Chronic stress is also a common illness and is often crippling to the mind and body. Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is long lasting. This type of stress can continue affecting lives for weeks, months, even years. People suffering from chronic stress think negatively about almost everything. They often believe that disaster waits around every corner. Nothing good ever lasts very long and there seems to be no end in sight for the bad. Individuals suffering from chronic stress often lose hope and stop trying to find a solution for their problem.

Individuals suffering from chronic stress often learn to live with it. They get used to feeling horrible all the time. Chronic stress becomes almost comfortable and sometimes unnoticeable. Chronic stress, if not properly treated, can become fatal. Health risks caused from chronic stress include heart attack, stroke and maybe even cancer. Some people suffering from chronic stress resort to taking their own lives. Often, in order for the symptoms of chronic stress to be controlled, medical treatment is needed, as well as psychiatric treatment.

Sometimes stress can be decreased by making simple changes in our everyday lives. Other times, extensive psychotherapy is necessary to treat the symptoms. Set back some "alone time" to unwind. Read a book, listen to music, or just take some deep, soothing breaths every day. Many people have found that setting aside time for themselves has increased the overall quality of life. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to allow your body to recuperate after a busy day. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and be sure to get enough exercise. This will give you more energy and help heighten your mood. If you feel that changing your lifestyle will not suffice and that you need more help, talk to a health professional.

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Hypnosis for all-overs and accustomed stress

.here is another vid of me attempting to give the viewer/listener a nice relaxing experience. no script was used for this one, this session was made from scratch, lol. sorry for the many delays in my voice, i had to really think of what to say next! enjoy! EDIT: any negative comments WILL be deleted, as it is a demotivator to the person simply trying out her knowledge of how to use hypnosis. i am still in the process of learning, and the only way i can test out my skills, is to post my recordings/videos on my work, and if maybe threres something i possibly missed, or did too much, you guys need to point it out, BUT IN A MATURE WAY! For the record, i do have trouble snapping my fingers when i use my triggers. its just something i cant do, i cant not help that, but i still try to practice it. *NOTE* -- I bear all legal rights to this video, as it is my original work. should this be stolen and modified WITHOUT permission then used as their own with no credit given to me, legal action WILL be taken. For custom, personal mp3 hypnosis session needs, please visit www.webstarts.tranquilhypnosis.com.

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Managing Stress Due To Mental Illness

It might have started with a panic attack during your algebra exam in high school. It then might have progressed into depression in college, and post partum depression after the birth of your first child. At times, you might have even felt so desperate that you wanted to commit suicide.



Or perhaps you have a brother who seems in the grips of full-blown paranoia. No matter how much you try, you just cannot reach him.



He's convinced that the FBI is watching his every move, and no one can convince him otherwise. You want him to seek professional help, but he is reluctant to do so.



Mental illness can create tremendous stress for a family. Because the illness is so misunderstood, there is the problem of the stigma attached to it.



You might be ashamed or embarrassed, either by your own mental illness or that of a close family member or friend. You may feel as if you are all alone, that no one else could possibly understand what you are going through.



Mental illness routinely creates financial stress for families. Sometimes, overspending is a sign of manic-depressive disorder. A depressed person might invest too much of the family income on a collection of guns or hunting knives. Disputes over finances can create great tensions for families, making it difficult for them to cope.



In addition, mental illness creates tensions within interpersonal relationships. You might be angry with a partner's mood swings not understanding that it is a situation beyond his or her control.



You may be frustrated with a brother who doesn't seem able to hold down a job. You may simply not understand a sister whose promiscuous lifestyle you consider to be dangerous.



The important thing to realize is that, while the stress of mental illness can seem unbearable at times, it is entirely manageable.



If you are the individual suffering from mental illness, make an appointment to see a reputable therapist. He or she can help you sort out your problems and can recommend a psychiatrist who can find the medication that is right for you.



Part of the stress of mental illness can be the difficulty involved in finding a medication that works. You may find the side-effects of a particular drug difficult to deal with at first.



Psychiatrists say it is best if you follow the doctor's recommendation and try to manage the side-effects as best you can. Going off your medication can have disastrous consequences and can lead to a great deal more stress.



At times, you might find that your mental illness requires you to go into the hospital for a time. Such hospitalizations can increase your stress level. However, if you think of the hospital stays as just steps on the road to recovery, you will be able to handle the stress much more effectively.



Coping with another's mental illness can be even more stressful. Mental illness can be quite unpredictable, so it can drain your emotional reserves. It can be highly difficult dealing with a situation that changes so abruptly from one minute to the next.



One of the best things you can do for yourself is to join a support group for family members of the mentally ill. This can be tremendously cathartic. You will be able to talk to other people who are going through the same things that you are going through.



You can draw comfort and strength from this network of individuals. Some members of your support group may even allow you to call them at home to discuss your problems further. There is no substitute for a listening ear, especially in the rough times.



You may also want to consider family counseling. In this way, the entire family can be involved in a loved one's recovery from mental illness.



You'll be able to learn healthy coping strategies for dealing with another's illness, and you will be able to communicate in an open, supportive atmosphere.



There is little doubt that mental illness can lead to life-long stress. However, with a little bit of effort, you can learn to manage this stress effectively. And you will find that you and your family are better off as a result.

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Anxiety - What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder also known as PTSD is a form of anxiety that can occur after the exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm happened or was threatened.

Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include:

- Survivors of devastating earthquakes
- People that witness traumatic events
- Survivors of several accidents on the sea or air
- Physical and sexual abuse or crimes
- Major changes in someone`s life
- Severe accidents car or plane accidents
- Violent personal assaults
- Natural disasters or human causes disasters (bombs)
- People taking part in terrorist rescues
- People affected by racism
- Military combat actions
- PTSD often occurs in soldiers attending wars
- Birth of a child can often cause PTSD (moms usually experience anxiety after birth and even during pregnancy).
- Any type of family violation
- Death of a loved one
- Being fired from work
- Divorce

Usually all the family members of the victim are disposed to develop post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can occur in people of any age, and that includes children and adolescents.

Symptoms of PTSD

Many PTSD sufferers repeatedly experience flashbacks, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, these symptoms are most likely to happen when they are exposed to objects or objects that remind them of their trauma.

Common Symptoms :

- General Anxiety Disorder
- Irritability or anger
- Intense guilt or fear for no apparent reason
- Emotional numbness and sleep problems
- Severe Depression
- Mood Swings

Lets have a closer look at the most common physical symptoms in (PTSD) :

- Weak Immune System
- Dizziness and numbness
- Chest pain
- Discomfort in other parts of the body, muscular tension
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Long term headaches

Sufferers often are treated for other causes than anxiety disorder. It happens often that sufferers think they have heart diseases, muscular problems or lack of minerals and vitamins.

Post-traumatic anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed if the symptoms last for more than one month. Symptoms do not occur immediately after the trauma, it usually varies, but they are most likely to occur within 3 months, it varies from one to another.

However some people recover in less than six months, others experience these symptoms a lot longer. Often PTSD may become chronic, and general anxiety disorder occurs. It can last for years if not treated in time.

There are lots of treatments available now, such as one to one coaching programs, which are completely natural and guaranteed, medication does help but they usually have bad side effects, they may reduce the level of anxiety, but in most of the cases it is not the cure.

General Statistics of PTSD

Studies have shown that 6.2 million adults in the US ages 18 to 58, approximately 4.6 percent of the people between these ages, have PTSD, the number is continuing to grow due to the high level of stress in urban areas. There are more women than men suffering from PTSD.

Treatment

One successful treatment that has worked for more than 40,000 people already is the Panic Away program which is a one-to-one coaching, complete natural anxiety program mainly based on relaxation techniques and ways to master your thoughts to overcome PTSD and anxiety.

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Facial Massage - Skin Beauty Or Stress Release?

A facial massage is one of the simplest relaxation therapies which can be done by a trained masseur or by oneself with the right guidance on step by step massage techniques. Facial massages are designed to release stress and tension, and yet stimulate the skin. This works as a beauty therapy, perks up blood circulation and revitalizes facial muscles. Facial massage therapy is the preferred choice for stress release and beauty therapy by both men and women worldwide.

Top 7 Benefits of a Facial Massage

The face shows great improvement in facial skin appearance.
Improved blood circulation rids the skin of its impurities and gives the face a healthy nourished glow.
The dead surface cells are cleansed away
The skin structure shows firmness and it helps the skin to retain moisture.
Muscle tension relief enables one to de-stress and relax completely especially after a long tiring day.
Facial massages have not only physical benefits but also positive psychological effects.
Skin puffiness, laugh lines (wrinkles), sagging areas on the face are reduced and the face gets a toned glow.

The best part of a facial massage is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and it takes no more than a minute of your time or less. You can use any cream, lotion, vegetable oil at home or essential oil blends for added benefits.

How to get a Facial Massage done?

First, mix your own choice of essential oil blends based on your skin type. Wash your face and cleanse it, pat dry. Cover your face with your personal oil blend. Massage oils into your face using upwards and outward movements.

The massage doesn't have any specific proper way of massaging except knowing that you move your hands in upward-outward movements. You can use all parts of your hand though you mainly use the palms and thumbs. You move down on the nose and apply the rule of upward outward motion when you reach the top of the cheekbone (that is, the bottom of your nose). Its important to know and locate the acupressure points, press with your fingers applying constant, firm, steady pressure, follow the curves of your skull, massage your jaw and the base of your skull; moving around the back of the skull. Massage your entire face in small circular movements.

Oil Blends

The general guideline for an essential oil blend is, to mix 1-3 drops of essential oil into 1 teaspoon of base oil or vegetable oil. There are oil blends based on different skin types. You can make your own personal blends depending on your skin complexion.

Word of Caution:

A holistic facial treatment benefits most people. However, there are a few exceptions where facial massage therapies are not desirable. These exceptional conditions includes people prone to pimply skin who tend to break out easily, blood pressure problems, some skin disorders, recent operative procedures on the face or neck, fractures, high fever, sunburn, thrombosis, tumors. Acne prone skin needs to be dealt with care. This means if you take care to massage the general area, avoid the pimple affected skin areas by not pinching, squeezing or bursting them then massage on pimpled skin should be acceptable.

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Are You Sensitive About Stress and Anxiety Disorders in Children? - Part 3

It is quite common for us adults to forget or even ignore the presence of children in the vicinity and consciously control what we say, how we act and generally speaking, how we carry ourselves. Children are excellent observers and the best imitators that can be. Whether you like it or not, children will pick up cues from how they see adults carry themselves and mould their own behavior accordingly. The foundation for our character today has roots to our childhood days. Character begins at home and that is something that we adults often tend to simply push to the side in the company of children.

Effect of Domestic Tension on Children

We all have trying moments in life that challenge our beliefs, test our patience and perseverance and holds our minds to ransom while taking life changing decisions for the family. A simple mismatch of opinions between parents in the presence of a child can subject them to stress. It may not be always possible to notice that the child is present before the argument begins, but it is important to take corrective action as soon as either parent notices that the child is present. The corrective action may be as simple as some sort of a warning signal to the other spouse about the child's presence. Such warnings must be listened to and the discussion should either stop or be postponed for a later time when the child is not around.

You see, children are inquisitive little angels and voracious learners. At the same time, like all human beings, they are usually resistant to change. If there is a change, they need an explanation. Without the explanation, their minds try to figure out what the change is all about and how it affects them. So if they are not used to watch quarreling parents in action, the fear of the unknown and uncharted waters grips their mind and that leads to stress. Stress in turn sends their delicate physiological and psychological health into an overdrive situation, which in turn can turn out to be the cause for childhood anxiety and childhood depression. Children growing up in families where parents and adults regularly engage in open and unrestricted heated (or even animated) conversations are known to develop stress related disorders in early childhood, which becomes a challenge to remedy later on in life. Children growing up in such environments are also known to develop an aggressive and self-centered attitude in life.

Domestic Violence

The perils of heated and animated conversation between parents and adults in the household score a new high when they turn into domestic violence in the presence or even the absence of children. It is evident that domestic violence inflicted on an adult in the presence of a child will impose severe stress on her mind. It is also evident how domestic violence on the child himself or herself could simply traumatize the young mind. But how does such turmoil in the absence of the child affect her mind?

Well, domestic violence most often than not will leave behind physical signs of distress that may be difficult to hide. A bruised lip, a black eye, broken bones that "just happened to develop out of the blue" is not an easy thing to lie about even for a rational adult. This is primarily because the victim of domestic violence is going through a stressful situation already. It takes more than Hollywood style acting skills to cover all of that grief-laden emotion up and concoct an explanation for a child when the obvious question is posed at a later time.

Children are also very good lie detectors - you may be lucky a few times to squeeze past the reasoning of the child's brain, but repetitive occurrence of domestic violence presents a pattern to the child. The mind will try to connect the events in the past and the doctored stories that were offered as explanation and will eventually determine the truth all by itself. Sounds unbelievable? It's just a matter of time when the child just figures out what's been going on in his absence and more often than not, the picture that emerges in his mind is not too far from the truth.

So as adults, we must be very careful about how we carry ourselves when we have children in our daily lives. We have a moral responsibility towards our children to provide a psychologically healthy environment to grow up and it takes a lot of sacrifice and rational thinking on our part on how we must "behave".

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Relaxation and stress reduction - Tips and ideas on how to relax

Relaxation - what is it?

Relaxation is the opposite of stress. Helps to reduce voltage levels and reverse the symptoms associated with stress. We are also better able to cope with future stressful situations. It is worth finding the time each day to relax.

Why is it so important?

When we are relaxed, stress is reduced. Symptoms of stress disappear, because the emphasis is very difficult for our body and relaxed at the same time. This in itselfcalms us mentally. We no longer anxious, our thoughts are calmed and we are well again.

Relaxation, stress reduction and mood enhancer

Here are some ideas to help you relax and reduce stress. Remember, you know better than to do, what suits you and makes you happy.

Exercise. Experts stress the importance of physical activity in our lives. Research shows that only 10 minutes of training all that is needed is to put people in a positive mood. ExerciseIt 'was shown to increase self-esteem and less anxiety and depression.

Attend a yoga class, or buy a DVD or book, you can use at home.

Try Tai Chi.

Deep breathing. This is particularly useful when faced with a potentially stressful situation. Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your lungs as you do, then the air slowly through your mouth.

Laughing!

Think of a funny video. Research has shown that just thinking of a funny videoreduces stress hormones.

Listen to a relaxation CD.

Talk to someone - be it a friend, family member or a consultant.

Get a pet. A study in America has had a broker animal care. When she later encountered a situation that typically cause stress, blood pressure, these stockbrokers half of those who do not get to take care of a pet.

Have a massage.

Take a bath. Use your favorite oils and some 'light for maximum relaxationCandles.

Read a book. This is so easy to escape the world for a while.

Indulge in your favorite hobby. You can always try something new, you know that you like.

Make a healthy diet.

Limiting alcohol and caffeine.

No smoking.

Take your annual leave. Give yourself regular breaks and try to have a regular slot in the holiday schedule.

Sleep well.

Praise to you. It 's easy to praise others rely on our actions. ButWe get disappointed if it does not. So to avoid disappointment, give yourself a pat on the back instead.

Specific strategies for relaxation

These techniques are very effective in causing relaxation. First, they can dominate a bit ', but once there, you ask why do it without them.

Progressive muscle relaxation

Find a warm, comfortable rooms, free from interference. Wear comfortable loose clothing. If you use a CD of relaxationAlthough it is not necessary. Follow these steps:

Lie on your back or sit in a comfortable position.
Relax your arms at your sides, palms facing down.
Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply.
As you breathe, his hands balled into fists and press them for 15 seconds. Focus on the fists just to feel the tension in the muscles.
Then you can relax your hands. Feel the relaxation of muscles.
Continue in this way of working through the body.
Youwill want to tense and relax the face, shoulders, back, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet and toes.
Hold for 15 seconds and then relax before your body for 30 seconds. How can you relax the body as is sinking into the ground to hear.
Eventually, your body will feel very heavy and relaxed. Lie still for a moment, enjoy this state of being.

Mute Response

This technique is useful if you are short on time.

Find a place free of disturbances.
Begins with the closureYour eyes. Imagine the calm and relaxed.
Breathe slowly and calmly. As you exhale, let all the tension in you.
Imagine quietly inhale and exhale stress, free from your body.
So on, until you feel your body and mind are relaxed.

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6 Ways to Find a Refuge From Stress

Sometimes we need to take time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a great boon to find ways in which to rest our minds and release a build up of tension. This article offers 6 ways in which you can bring calm to your life and find a refuge from the everyday stresses.

Silence is a great healer. If we can take just 10 to 20 minutes a day to sit in silence we will find it has great benefits to our mental well being. Just sit an let emotions that have built up over the day have their chance to be felt and released. Allow thoughts to come and go without giving them energy. Just be quiet and allow yourself to naturally relax in the silence.

Take a walk somewhere quiet and natural. Just being amongst nature can be very relaxing. The movement of walking can be soothing to your being and being somewhere open and spacious can be relaxing to your mind.

Get a daily exercise routine going. The release of endorphins during exercise can lift your mood along with the feeling of satisfaction that comes from doing something to benefit your health. Exercise releases tension and helps boost your energy levels.

Take some time to do something you enjoy. Find a hobby or activity that gives you pleasure. Having fun releases stress.

Watch a funny movie. Laughing is a great way to relax and find stress relief. You will feel a lot better afterwards.

Playing with animals or children can be a great way to take your mind off things and be just present with what is happening in the moment.

I hope you have found these 6 ways to find refuge from stress beneficial and they help to bring relaxation to your life.

Civil Engineering Overview

Herbs For Anxiety - Herbal Treatments For Stress, Tension and Work Pressure

Feeling anxious is a common feature in most human beings. There is nothing abnormal in it, but if a person is very often subjected to anxieties due to simple and trivial reasons then it must be checked otherwise it may lead to serious disorders like depression creating much problem in later stages of life.

Stress, tension, pressure at workplace, competition, family problems back at home seldom leave a person's mind to sit back and relax. The constant duel and turmoil that continues in one's mind leads to a habit of being anxious and at the same time disturbing other physiological functions too.

Some simple herbal treatments

Instead of getting addicted to sedatives and other drugs in order to get rid of anxiety, some herbs have magical spells in alleviating anxiety because herbs contain the essential chemical constituents that affect the functions of the brain and heart. Most of these herbal therapies have very little side effects and are quite cheap compared to the drugs sold over the counter. Some of the best herbal therapies in treating anxiety can be summarized as follows:

1. Kava kava is well known to lift one's spirits and so its roots were used to prepare drinks since ancient times. It also reduces the stress and anxiety within one week of its use. Even women suffering from post menopause depression have found good results after using kava kava.

2. Ginseng has many beneficial factors but it is most popular in treatment of anxiety. It helps to maintain emotional balance and produces a relaxing effect on the nerves reducing tiredness and fatigue.

3. Valerian root is generally applied as a sedative. But it has also yielded good results in reducing stress, anxiety levels, agitation and other mental disturbances. It is also advantageous to the fact that it helps to fall sleep in less time and promotes sound sleep in spite of a disturbed mind.

4. Catnip is a mint type of herb that reduces nervousness, sleeplessness and so is widely used as an anti anxiety medicine. It has been used as a sedative through ages but studies showed that it can also reduce migraine.

5. St John's wort has been popular for its anti depressant qualities since ages and so it is widely used as medications to reduce stress and anxiety.

6. Chamomile herbs are the safest in treating anxiety problems. German chamomile and Roman chamomile are the most commonly used herbs. They have some chemical constituents that relax the brain and have a soothing effect on the nerves.

From the above studies the main benefits of herbal treatments is that they are non toxic and being natural does not lead to any sort of addiction. Apart from treatments herbs develops the resistance to fight against any disorder.

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