Feeling stressed is, at times, a normal part of life. Typically, you can manage life’s stressors with a deep breath and a little smart thinking to correct the problem. But sometimes, stress can be brought on by a more complicated situation or hardship, making it more intense and harder to manage. This is known as emotional stress. I had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah Thompson, a seasoned mental health advocate, to discuss her experiences with emotional stress and how she has learned to cope.
Sarah is a 38-year-old marketing executive who lives in Bristol. Balancing a demanding career and personal life often puts her under significant stress. Recently, Sarah found herself grappling with emotional stress following the loss of a close family member. “It was a period where everything felt like too much,” she recalls, sitting at her home desk with a journal open in front of her.
“Emotional stress isn’t just about feeling sad or angry,” Sarah explained. “It’s a combination of intense emotions that make it feel like a heavy weight you just can’t shake. For me, it was a mix of grief, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.”
Dr. Ramone Ford, a psychologist specialising in emotional stress, explains that such stress can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches, as well as behavioural changes such as social withdrawal and neglecting responsibilities. “Our bodies often send us messages through different aches and pains,” Dr. Ford notes.
Sarah’s journey to coping with emotional stress began with recognising these signs. “I started experiencing frequent headaches and found it hard to concentrate at work. I also became more irritable and withdrawn, which was not like me at all.”
One of the first steps Sarah took was to find time to relax. “I realised I needed to make myself a priority,” she said. She began setting aside dedicated time for relaxation, even if it was just five to fifteen minutes a few times a day. “I found solace in simple activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath. These moments allowed me to unwind and breathe.”
Dr. Ford suggests that relaxation activities can vary greatly from person to person. Some might find peace in a quiet night with a book, while others might prefer a vigorous workout. For Sarah, journaling became a pivotal tool. “Writing in my journal helped me process my emotions. It was a way to slow down and think about what was going on in my life and how I was reacting to it.”
Journaling, as Dr. Ford encourages, is a method that can help identify emotional stress triggers. “By writing down my thoughts and feelings, I could see patterns and start addressing the negative thoughts,” Sarah shared. “It was a way to confront my emotions and start healing.”
Mindfulness also played a crucial role in Sarah’s coping strategy. “Mindfulness is about focusing your attention and becoming more aware of your body and emotions,” she explained. “Learning to stay in the present moment helped me feel more attuned to my emotions and manage my stress better.”
Dr. Ford emphasises that mindfulness can help you understand the mind-body connection and how emotions affect your physical state. “It’s about recognising the physical changes in your body in response to your emotions and learning how to manage them.”
Another strategy that worked for Sarah was distracting her mind and focusing on something else. “When I felt a wave of stress, I would intentionally shift my thoughts to something enjoyable,” she said. “Watching a funny movie, painting, or spending time with my dog helped clear my mind and refocus my attention.”
Lifestyle changes also contributed to Sarah’s emotional well-being. “I started paying more attention to my overall health. I made sure to get quality sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly,” she noted. “These changes made a significant difference in how I coped with stress.”
Connecting with others was another essential aspect of Sarah’s approach. “I reached out to friends and family for support. Talking to someone who understands and cares can be incredibly comforting,” she said.
Sarah’s story is a testament that while emotional stress can be overwhelming, there are effective ways to manage it. By finding time to relax, practising mindfulness, journaling, and making healthy lifestyle changes, she was able to navigate through her stress and find a sense of balance.
“If you’re still feeling symptoms of emotional stress after trying these techniques, consider seeking help from a healthcare provider,” Dr. Ford advises. “There’s no shame in needing additional help to manage your stress. The most important thing is to find ways to feel better.”
As Sarah reflects on her journey, she offers a final piece of advice: “Remember, you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. What matters is how you choose to cope and take care of yourself.”
Emily
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