We’re okay, or are we? Taking a healthy look at stress.
Stress kills. This fact is documented by numerous medical studies and esteemed professionals around the world. It’s critical that we address stress and the impact it has on us individually and as a community. How is stress processed? What are the most effective coping mechanisms? Hopefully this article will provide insight and helpful tips for you and your loved ones.
Americans today are faced with numerous causes of stress. Read the headlines in your newspaper or social media news feed: gas prices hitting $6 per gallon in some cities, racial and gender inequality, mass shootings and the war in Ukraine. It almost makes the everyday stressors that we battle, like finding a parking spot at the grocery store or waiting for a late bus, seem too small to question or care about. Do we have time for stress? Absolutely not! But stress doesn't care, so it’s important to learn how to reduce it.
Links to credible sources with helpful tips and links to professional help follow this article. We want to offer a quick reminder that whatever your stressors are, pay attention and take positive action. Make choices that reduce stress levels for you and your family. As a community we have allowed the situations that surround us to quiet our voice and our decisions. We keep working, we trivialize real problems, we refuse to talk about it, and we refuse to make changes. It’s understandable that life goes on and sometimes you just have to “Suck it up, buttercup”, but be aware that this is a temporary bandage to a bigger problem. The bigger stressors that we face today are because of the smaller stress points that were looked over in hopes that they would go away. If you can deal with it today, then do so. Do what you can, even if it’s a small step.
It’s important to recognize and evaluate what your stress instigators are and what coping mechanisms to use. The causes of stress come in all forms from paying a utility bill that’s due, a child that isn’t happy with what you’re telling them to do, a coworker who is difficult to work with, the food burned on the stove. These fall under the “stuff happens” category. In these instances you just roll with it. Try to remain as calm as possible and solution focused. To handle stress effectively, establish coping mechanisms to help reduce the number of times stressful situations arise and help with our emotional response. When stressful situations continue to happen is where the real problem lies, and it can’t be ignored any longer. Find time to step away from the situation, take a deep breath and think about how to get to the root of the matter. Ask yourself why do these situations happen and what can be done? Be honest with yourself, and have the willingness to make the needed adjustments or seek appropriate help, like a trusted friend or family member, clergyperson or therapist. Understand that saying “no” to the many requests you receive of your valuable time and resources can sometimes be your best solution. Understand that you are worth your time. You’re not alone, and it's okay to ask for help, tips and solutions. Here are resources from trusted sources:
The Minnesota Department of Health https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/behavioral/stress.html
NAMI Minnesota https://namimn.org/stress/
Very Well Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-resources-for-the-black-community-5181656
Essence Magazine https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/the-longterm-effects-of-chronic-stress-on-black-women/