Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/607017
14 HANDLING STRESS: PART 4 OF 5 Over the last several weeks we have discussed many aspects of this real challenge. Developing coping capacity, relaxation techniques, time management, and life balance have all been considered. We hope this is helping you handles stress better. We have explained and repeated the reality that stress is all but inevitable for all of us and so it is coping better (handling it) that is really the aim. But what happens when you just cannot cope anymore? GETTING HELP, ER, HELPS There is still quite a bit of stigma around seeking help, psychology, mental illness, emotional wellbeing, etc. For many people seeking help for emotional, psychological or mental problems is very hard. Some see it as "weakness" while others are ashamed of being unable to manage on their own. For some it is just too embarrassing to even discuss. All of this is quite understandable, and it is certainly commonplace. It is also terribly sad and very illogical, and a real waste. here are soMe sIMPLe faCts that you need to understand: • Stress can lead to a range of serious problems including anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. • A range of treatments exist that have been proven to work. These include "talking treatments" like counselling and psychotherapy but also "medical treatments" including various medications. • While some medications can be addictive and should be used carefully, most are not. • Very few people hesitate about getting medical and dental help when necessary. Given the clear understanding of many psychological illnesses, and the effectiveness of treatment, there is no good or logical reason for this to be any different with matters of the mind. • Simply talking about your problems already helps. So the "old fashioned" idea of chatting with your family doctor is often a great place to start. He or she will be able to advise you if something more specialised might be worth considering. • It is NOT seeking help that shows fear & weakness, rather than the other way round.