Which 5 Things Cause the Most Stress in Life?Coping strategies for traumatic life events

Some changes in relationships, finances, school, health, career, and family cause more anxiety than others, but stress is a natural part of life. Here are the top five stressors, along with some effective coping mechanisms.

A weakened immune system, anxiety, sleep problems, sexual problems, digestive issues, and inflammation are some health effects of chronic daily stress, as opposed to acute stress.

Death of a Special Someone

You will usually feel a variety of sometimes unexpected emotions when someone you care about dies. Confusion, shock, sadness, numbness, anger, and guilt are all legitimate emotions.

It can be painful to process what happened and face a world without this person because the change is so profound.

There is no standard method of grieving, and there is no right or wrong way to feel about the loss of a loved one. Although everyone heals differently and at a different pace, these techniques can be helpful:

• Allow yourself to experience the range of emotions: You may be familiar with the five stages of grief, but studies have shown that it is not helpful to determine which phase you are in, particularly if you have never gone through it. Allow yourself to feel the entire spectrum of emotions and concentrate on achieving a state of mental calm rather than worrying about moving from one stage of grief to another.
• Allow yourself to recover: It can take time to get over the loss. Take the time you need to care for yourself, even if you want to move on quickly. Talking to family and friends about your feelings and sharing your grief can help, even if you feel alone.

Seeking professional assistance is never a sign of weakness: Losing a loved one can have a profound impact on your life and cause unbearable stress. You can learn how to cope with difficult emotions like guilt and adjust to life without your loved one by seeking support like bereavement therapy.

Splitting or Divorcing

Separation or divorce from a spouse can be a stressful experience. Legal factors like child custody, money, assets, and living arrangements add to the emotional and mental strain. Both partners must deal with several problems as they move on, even if the decision is mutual. Here are some strategies for handling a separation or divorce:

• Learn to let go and accept your feelings: Breaking up can cause difficult emotions. You may feel relief, then guilt, or experience despair and anger. Accept these emotions and let them flow through you rather than repressing them. Accepting them helps with divorce recovery.
• Put your love for yourself first: Practice self-compassion and self-care during this time, even if you feel like you’ve failed or did not put enough effort into your relationship.
• Establish personal objectives: Living alone can be frightening, but it is also a chance to re-evaluate your goals. What have you wanted to learn or try? What are your favourite pastimes you have not had time to pursue? Now is the time to enjoy these again.
• Talk to a therapist: Sharing your feelings and concerns with a counsellor can be beneficial. Therapists available online can offer you the support and resources you need to deal with the situation and realise you’re not alone.

Relocating

Moving can be stressful, especially if it is unexpected or due to a fire, financial struggles, or a traumatic event. You might even feel anticipatory grief or anxiety at the thought of such a big change.

Keep in mind that stress is a common aspect of moving: You may feel pressured to be happy and excited if you’re moving with your partner or into a larger space, but even moving for a good reason can cause stress. Everyone finds change difficult, and embracing stress as a natural part of the process can help you cope with it. Here are a few tips to cope with a move:

• Arrange and maintain organisation: Allow enough time to prepare your move. Labelling, sorting, and packing your belongings takes longer than you may think. Moving day will be less hectic if you start early, even if you want to postpone it.
• Seek assistance from friends and family: They can offer emotional support during the move, even if they are unable to assist physically.

Hiring professional movers is a good idea if you have the funds. This can lessen the strain and effort involved in lifting, packing, and moving.

Chronic Illness

Stress and illness are mutually reinforcing: Ongoing stress weakens your immune system and increases your vulnerability to disease. Stress raises the risk of atherosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, and diabetes. Here are some coping mechanisms for illness:

• Become knowledgeable about your condition: Discuss your condition with a medical professional and work with them to create a personalised treatment plan. It’s crucial to keep your expectations reasonable given the severity of your illness.
• Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and learn self-care techniques like mindfulness and meditation. For challenging tasks, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Do not use drugs or alcohol as a coping method.
• Seek counselling: You can manage your chronic health condition with the aid of a variety of counselling options. These services include support groups, family and couples counselling, and individual counselling, even online for convenience.

Loss of Employment

Shame, grief, disappointment, guilt, and self-defeating thoughts can all result from losing your job. You have to worry about your finances and finding new work, in addition to the effect on your self-esteem. Adjusting to a sudden change in your daily routine can be challenging, especially if you have been at your job for a long time. Here is how to handle losing your job:

Keep your emotions in check: For some people, losing their job is like losing a loved one. It’s normal to experience shock, sadness, depression, anger, or any combination of these emotions. Instead of suppressing your emotions, express them.

Acknowledge your circumstances: Focus on what you can control, like your response, mindset, and next steps. Take control of your finances, as losing your job and benefits can change your lifestyle. Create a budget and seek financial advice.

Make contact with your network: You don’t have to handle this alone, even though you may feel isolated. Make contact with your loved ones. Losing a job is a common occurrence; talking about your experiences can help you better understand your circumstances and gain insight from others.

You’re Not Alone

For over 20 years, Hope Trust™ has assisted individuals and families in addressing various psychological concerns.  The verified therapists are available online, allowing you to seek help from the comfort of your own home.  Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the first step towards reclaiming your life!

Click www.hopetrustindia.com for an online appointment with a therapist.