Stress and mental health
Hello NAMI-Barrington!
Please allow me to introduce myself as a new
member of NAMI-Barrington and a family member. Hugh Brady
asked if I would follow Dr. Grace and write this column.
My name is Carol Ziolo and I am a Registered Nurse at
Northwest Community Hospital where I work as the Clinical
Educator for the Mental Health Network. Previously, I
worked as the Coordinator of the Mental Health Liaison Team
and was in the Emergency Department caring for consumers and
families during a mental health crisis. I have a Masters in
Clinical Psychology and am a Licensed Clinical Professional
Counselor. I have a counseling practice in Mount Prospect
where I use my Certificate in Stress Management to assist
client’s deal with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder,
and dual diagnosis disorders. It is my pleasure to join
your affiliate and I will try to bring you continued
knowledge and wisdom. I hope you will find this column
useful and good reading.
Recently, I was introduced to an interesting
topic at the 2007 NAMI Convention in San Diego. What is the
difference between mental health and mental illness?
Surprisingly, several consumers, families, and professionals
said there was no difference!
But as we thought about it, people started to recognize that
everyone has mental health as we all have physical health.
Some people may have depression while others may have
diabetes, emphysema or cancer. Any disorder can affect any
one of us at any time, even those who do not have a chronic
mental illness. Keeping ourselves mentally healthy is just
as important as keeping physically well. A person
recovering from bypass surgery will go into a rehab program
and learn how to maintain good health. Similarly, a person
who experienced an episode of depression could enter a day
program to learn how to stay in recovery. It is very
beneficial to keep yourself in “good shape,” both physically
and mentally, regardless of your past history.
With the holidays upon us it is very common for people to
become overwhelmed due to the increased activity or lack of
socialization. I recently read an article from Mayo clinic
that offers several tips for coping with stress, depression
and holidays. I would like to share them with you.
First, it is important to recognize the main triggers of
holiday stress. They are:
1.
Relationships. Conflicts and
misunderstandings can occur when families and friends are
all together, especially for several days at a time. Or you
may find yourself lonely if you are not sharing the holidays
with anyone.
2.
Finances. Overspending can lead to feelings
of hopelessness and concern.
3.
Physical demands. Fatigue, high demands, lack
of regular exercise and overindulgence in food and drink can
increase holiday illness.
Stress can cause anyone to have difficulties in making wise
choices during the holidays. That is why it is so important
to avoid holiday stress, especially if you know that is how
you have reacted in previous years. Some tips to help
reduce holiday stress are:
1.
Acknowledge your feelings. Let yourself feel!
It is all right to cry
and express your feelings.
2.
Seek support. Let family, friends, and the
community offer you support. Consider volunteering and
getting involved.
3.
Be realistic. Family customs may change. Accept
the changes and move forward.
4.
Set differences aside. Practice forgiveness
during this busy time. Accept people for who they are.
5.
Stick to a budget. Don’t try to buy happiness.
6.
Plan ahead. Avoid last minute pressures.
7.
Learn to say no. Set your own expectations;
you’re the only one who knows what you want to do.
8.
Don’t abandon healthy habits. Overindulge a
little to celebrate the holidays. Get plenty of sleep
and healthy exercise.
9.
Take a breather. Keep some time aside for
yourself.
10.
Rethink resolutions. Be realistic!
11.
Forget about perfection. Things may not always
happen as you expect. That’s OK!
12.
Seek professional help if you need it. Consult
someone if the symptoms of stress (not eating, sleeping,
crying, irritability) continue for several weeks following
the holidays.
I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays. I hope these
tips will help your holidays be less stressful and you will
have wonderful memories when the holidays are over. This is
the web address for anyone who would like to read the MAYO
clinic article in full:
Stress, depression and the holidays 12 tips for coping -
Mayoclinic.com
Sincerely,
Carol Ziolo
carol@carolziolo.com
