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How To Cope With Stress

Random House Webster's Dictionary defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional tension. There are positive stress factors as well as negative stressors that may worsen symptoms in people with schizophrenia. However, this information is for everyone, not just people with schizophrenia.

The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia gives several examples of things that trigger stress which may include but are not limited to the following: a move, problem in a relationship, having a baby, getting married or divorced, starting a new job, experiencing a death in the family, or being ill.

The book goes further to identify signs of stress that include: headaches, indigestion, increased heart rate, or muscular tension. Problems concentrating, mood disturbance, becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed. Other behaviors that suggest stress are nail biting, restlessness, explosive outburst, drinking or using drugs.

Some coping mechanisms to overcome stress include:
  • Journal
  • Watching television or a movie
  • Playing a game
  • Exercising
  • Communicating the stress to a friend
  • Make or listen to music
  • Create or view artwork
  • Sleeping

How do you cope with stressful situations?

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