If there’s one thing most people can relate to, it’s stress. Often, it’s work stress, but for many people it might be balancing a family, trying to figure out how to pay the bills or getting through a semester of school.

Getting through the past couple of years has put people on a wave of emotions. Many people have lost loved ones, struggled with anxiety about whether they’re just sick or if they have Covid-19 and felt isolated from the people they love. People are still feeling that way. A lot of the country is back open, but some people still aren’t seeing family and friends out of fear that they might get sick. This article isn’t meant to relive the pandemic, but to call attention to a mental health crisis that isn’t being addressed – stress.

The American Psychological Association said this crisis could yield serious health and social consequences for years. They recently conducted a survey following the two-year mark of COVID and found that: inflation of everyday items like gas prices and groceries, supply chain issues and global uncertainty are the top three sources of stress. According to the organization, it comes at a time when the nation is trying to get through the lingering effects of the pandemic. In fact, 63% of adults said their lives have been changed forever.

What does stress relief look like? We know it looks different for everyone, for some Covid might not have anything to do with how you’re feeling. Regardless of the source, your response is a survival mechanism. Here are some tips:

  • Try eliminating your stressors. Of course, if what’s stressing you is work, you probably can’t eliminate that. However, you can change the situation that is causing you stress by dropping some responsibility, relaxing your standards or asking for help.
  • Get social support. Calling on friends or family members for help can increase your resilience. Sometimes you might just need to vent or maybe they can take something off your plate. You don’t have to deal with this alone.
  • Protect your sleep. When we’re stressed, sometimes the first thing that suffers is our sleep schedule. A bad sleep schedule can impact your mood and cognitive skills. Try to wind down before the lights go out.

Remember to give yourself some grace. It’s been a tough couple of years. You don’t have to deal with this by yourself. Lean on your family, friends, and if you’re ready, try meeting with a mental health professional.

https://www.apa.org/news/press /releases/stress/2022/march-2022-survival-mode
https://www.apa.org/topics/ stress/tips

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