Identify what is causing stress in your life so that you can reduce it.
By Dr. Tedd Mitchell
One of the most common issues I deal with in my practice is stress. Not a day goes by that I don't see its effects on at least one of my patients. Of course, not all of them recognize that the culprit is stress. Many of them think they are seeing me for something much more mundane, such as heartburn or headaches.
But if a patient's history suggests an element of stress and his physical exam
doesn't reveal any other concerns, then our conversation shifts gears. Although treating a patient's physical complaint is important, doing so without addressing the underlying stress will result in an incomplete remedy.
"Life is what we make it -- always has been, always will be."
-- Grandma Moses
.
|
Alerting someone to the physical consequences of chronic stress is useful for two reasons. First, it gives him a "barometer" for identifying when stresses are elevated. Second, understanding the mind/body connection might encourage him to address the underlying issues precipitating his symptoms.
Unfortunately, stress is not an equal-opportunity illness. Not everyone suffers from it in the same way. In fact, what stresses one person may not even faze someone else. That's one of the reasons stress can be difficult to diagnose. It also may be why we physicians often find that treating a symptom is easier than delving into possible stressors.
Because it's so common, and because the symptoms vary so much from person to person, understanding what conditions set people up for chronic stress can help with a diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the major areas that can cause chronic stress:
Your environment. Living in anything from a dangerous neighborhood to a noisy apartment to a crowded house adds to stress. Hectic environments agitate; tranquil environments soothe.
Your health. Chronic health conditions are a source of ongoing stress. Heart disease, diabetes, lower back pain and arthritis all raise the risk of developing chronic stress.
Your relationships. It's not just where you live, but with whom you spend your time that counts when it comes to stress. Whether you're at home or work, those around you determine whether you spend your day happy or unhappy. Beware of "energy vampires" -- people who suck the energy out of you -- because they can be toxic to your emotional health.
Your life. This is an important one. There are times in life when stress is natural (teenage years, newlywed adjustment, caring for elderly parents, etc.). However, other life issues can stress us, as well, such as an unsatisfying job, an unfulfilling marriage or troubles with kids. Any of these can contribute to stress. Another stressful life situation: being alone and lonely, either from having never fulfilled the dream of having a family or having family members move out of the home or the area when they grow up.
Managing stress is not about expecting or demanding a fairy-tale life. Instead, it's about learning to enjoy that which we have. In my house, we keep a favorite quote from Grandma Moses on our refrigerator: "Life is what we make it -- always has been, always will be." Learn to identify conditions that precipitate stress. Understand that stress doesn't always manifest itself as anxiety or depression. Do your best to address the areas that you can, but if you find that your health is suffering in spite of your best efforts, see your doctor. The symptoms you're having may need more than just Maalox.
Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell is president and medical director of Dallas' Cooper Clinic. He writes HealthSmart every week.
