Coping With the Stress of War

The war with Iraq and threat of terrorist attacks at home are creating varying levels of stress for all Americans. When prolonged, stress can chip away at one’s mental and physical health. Here are some tips for how to deal with these turbulent times.

"Stress makes it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday tasks and puts you at risk for various health problems, such as high blood pressure, anxiety or depression” said Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association. “If you are feeling stressed, it’s a good idea to deal with it and try to redirect that energy into positive activities."

Following are some steps to help individuals get out from under the stress:

• Stay connected. Talk to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about your stress and fears.
• Get physical. Reduce stress by developing a regular exercise routine.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Just like stress, they rob you of energy and cloud your perceptions of everyone and everything.
• Make time for relaxation. Try to reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about things you can’t control. Try to cut down or eliminate activities that cause you stress.
• Take back some control. You can’t control the war or events at home associated with it, but you can exercise control over some things. Maintain your routine as much as possible.
• Take reasonable precautions. Make an emergency communications plan with family and friends.
• Be optimistic about the challenges ahead. Try to maintain a positive outlook. Remember that our nation has survived other difficult times. Stay in touch with your spirituality, if you find it comforting.

Copies of NMHA’s fact sheets on helping adults and children cope with stress, terrorism, violence and fear are available at www.nhma.org.

Source: The National Mental Health Association (March 19, 2003)

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