Stress and Mental Health

How Stress Affects Your Mental and Physical Well Being

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of adults in the United States “will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.” 

Several factors can contribute to the development of a mental illness including stress. Throughout the pandemic, more people reported feeling stress, anxiety, and depression than in previous years. Unfortunately, few people sought treatment despite having a diagnosable and, often, treatable disorder.

Dealing With Stress

Coping with stressful situations is never easy, but over time an individual can develop ways to deal with these difficulties. Managing stress may include getting regular exercise or learning to meditate. A healthy diet and plenty of sleep can also help you deal with any anxiety caused by outside factors.

Stress is a natural reaction to a tough or seemingly uncontrollable situation. By learning to cope, you can help manage your reaction to these outside factors. One of the healthiest things that you can do is to reach out. If you are unable to manage your stress on your own, it may be time to seek treatment. Simply talking to a licensed professional can help.

Stress and Mental Health Disorders

Stress can exacerbate or worsen underlying conditions of mental illness or cause an increase in substance use. It is imperative to address these conditions with the help of a professional. Mental health and substance use disorders are extremely common but should be treated.

Stress and Your Physical Well-Being

Stress can affect your physical well-being as well. As discussed by the CDC, stress can cause “Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.” If you begin to experience physical conditions as a result of stress, you need to seek medical assistance.