Stress Check. How are you Doing? Part 1

Because I come in contact with so many people who are suffering from stress and stress related or stress induced illness, I thought it may be beneficial to share a series of short posts on stress, its causes and how stress can be managed. Parts 2 and 3 to come.

The first question to ask is, "Is stress a healthcare crisis?" The second question is introspective. "Is stress impacting me?" The latter may not be an easy question for many to answer. Sometimes we may not be aware that, over time, stress has crept into our lives and is adversely impacting our well-being.

Between surveys and observations made by healthcare professionals, it is clear that stress is rapidly becoming a global healthcare crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress has been classified as the health epidemic of the 21st century.

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that irritating headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the cause.

Adding to our day-to-day stress (home, workplace, shuttling kids to soccer practice, dance lessons, karate, etc.), the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic complete with stressful lock downs, masks and volumes of controversy regarding "COVID-19 vaccines" and boosters. Many jobs were lost as people were forced into lock downs. Others lost jobs because they refused the "vaccines." Some people were able to work from home while others in service industries were not. Many businesses suffered major setbacks while other businesses failed. Computer chips remain in short supply and impact many industries. Vehicle prices have increased at an accelerated rate. A war erupted in Ukraine that has global economic and social implications. Many are experiencing food and fuel shortages. Infant formula is in short supply. It is believed Iran is close to being nuclear capable. The cost of goods, services and education have escalated while wages have remained stagnant. We find ourselves in the midst of political tug-of-wars. We are witnessing global markets slide down a very slippery slope. Inflation has reached a 40 year high in the US. Retirees have watched helplessly as the Dow Jones Average has lost more than 6,000 points in less than a year. Escalating home prices have priced many anxious buyers out of the market. Many of our political leaders are viewed as being out of touch with reality. A seemingly never ending cycle of political, social and economic crises has left many paralyzed by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, despair and fear of an uncertain future. In essence, many wonder what they will wake up to tomorrow. It is reasonable to believe that at one time or another, each of us will feel the weight of the effects of local to regional to global political and economic climates and issues.

According to American Psychological Association (APA) former Chief Executive Officer, Norman B. Anderson, PhD, "America is at a critical crossroads when it comes to stress and our health." Part of APA’s Mind/Body Health campaign was a survey that revealed the impact stress is having on Americans’ physical and emotional health. Harris Interactive conducted an online survey of adults and young people ages 8 to 17. The findings were not unexpected:

1. Stress is increasing;
2. Children are suffering;
3. Self-care doesn't seem to be a priority; and
4. Lack of willpower is a problem.

Interestingly, the survey predates COVID-19. Since the survey, more and more people find themselves slaves to stress. Despite the gloomy picture portrayed, there is help and hope for a brighter, more vibrant future with you in control.

So now I ask, "How are you doing?" After all, it is challenging to help others when we in the profession of helping others are also suffering the effects of stress and are not functioning at the top of our game. As such, it's imperative we recognize and treat ourselves as we would others.

Part 2 will focus on types of stress and causes.

Part 3 will focus on how stress can be managed.