Life always involves changes and changes always bring stresses . Change is an inevitable part of normal development and growth. As we grow and mature from childhood to adolescence to adulthood to maturity and senescence, we go through changes in residence, in our living conditions, personal habits, interpersonal relationships, and recreational activities. They involve leaving something familiar behind and moving on to something new and unsettling in its uncertainty.

Sometimes it is the smaller things that can contribute to it; even a minor violation of the law, such as a speeding ticket, tests your endurance and well-being, thereby creating personal doubts, self-examination, anxiety, depression, and illness. 

In addition, most of us worry about attractiveness, weight, aging, or physical changes in your body as a result of personal injury, illness, or time, but it can start to destroy peace of mind and affects your relationships with  yourself and other people.

Personal stress is difficult no matter how many skills you have for dealing with it.  Most of us need outside help to enhance our personal skills and address specific stress concerns. Here are a few idea of outside help:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on the irrational thoughts and ideas that lead to a loss of self-esteem and create self-defeating attitudes. Changing the way you think makes it possible for you to change the way you feel and behave. Check with your local mental health professional organizations for an appropriate referral. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be helpful in establishing a realistic view of yourself. Other group members reactions and comments may provide you with ideas and viewpoints about yourself that you never would have thought about in other settings. One of the powerful elements in group therapy is that you can get some very good ideas about you impact on other people without jeopardizing existing relationships or creating  psychological vulnerabilities for you in your every day life. 

Counseling

Sometimes you don’t really need therapy, you just need to talk things out and get some professional opinions and advice on what you should do and how you might do it.  Check with your local mental health professional organizations for a referral to a professional counselor.  They will be able to refer you on if they think your problem needs to be looked at in more depth.

Psychotherapy

Sometimes at different stages, traumatic events can embed themselves in our psyches.  At this point, it may be a good idea to see a psychotherapist.  Psychotherapy increases your awareness of deep-seated psychological problems, minimizes the emotional “baggage” you carry, and develops a more realistic view of yourself, and your relationship to the rest of the world.

    • Ask your family physician for a referral to a psychotherapist or you can contact your state psychological association, state psychiatric association, or state social work association. 

    • Get at least three names and interview these therapists before you begin any therapy with one of them. The best indicator of whether a therapist is the right one for you is your degree of trust with them. 

    • If you’re not comfortable or find them difficult to talk to, move on. You owe it to yourself to get that right therapist.   

You can also invest in AboveStress online community where you can share your challenges and insights with your peers.  You can ask questions, post a blog, or start/join a group.  Just remember we are here to root for you.