Stress is when life's demands seem too heavy. You feel anxious and tense and may be aware that your heart is beating faster.
A certain amount of stress in our lives is unavoidable and a little may even be good for us. For example, some people claim they get more done if they have a work deadline. Too much stress, however, is harmful. Your body responds to stressful situations by raising your blood pressure and making your heart work harder. This is particularly dangerous if you already have heart or artery disease or high blood pressure. Stress is more likely to be harmful if you feel that you have no control over the problem or situation.
Your body reacts to stress in other ways, too. Symptoms like back pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle aches, heartburn, upset stomach, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and weight gain or weight loss are often caused in part by stress. Many office visits to healthcare providers are for conditions related to stress.
Anything you see as a problem can cause stress for you. Different things may cause stress for other people. Stress can be caused by everyday matters as well as by major problems.
Many people may not think about stress as part of being older. Older adults are supposed to be able to "take it easy and relax." But stress may result from:
Older adults often feel less and less in control of their environment. This also leads to feelings of stress. It is important to realize that even good, positive changes can lead to feeling stressed. Many people do not know what to do once they have reached a goal and they do not have another goal to pursue. This can be especially true of retirement.
Symptoms may include:
Your healthcare provider may recognize that stress is a problem from your medical history and symptoms. For example, your blood pressure may be high. However, stress can cause common symptoms, such as headaches or digestive problems, that have many possible causes. For this reason your provider may ask whether your symptoms could be related to stress.
Your provider may give you a questionnaire to screen for anxiety and stress.
Deep breathing, meditation, stretching your muscles, improving your diet, increasing your exercise, and learning to relax can help you deal with stress. Your healthcare provider or a mental health professional may also be able to help. They may teach you ways to reduce stress in your life and to cope with stress that you cannot avoid.
Therapy (individual, group, or family) may offer support and may help reduce fears and worries.
Medicine may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety and help you cope with stress. Medicine is often used for a short time to help until the stress resolves.
Exercise relieves pent-up energy. It also increases fitness, which helps your body cope with stress. Take up a sport, join an exercise group, or walk at least a mile a day. Try to exercise with other people because social contact helps relieve stress, too.
Relaxation releases muscle tension and calms the mind. Sit comfortably and tighten each muscle in turn for a few seconds, then relax it. Either start with your head and work downward or start at your feet and work upward. Do this every day. Massages, hot baths, listening to music or relaxation tapes are also good ways to relax.
