Stress comes in all different shapes and sizes. Sometimes the least little things sets us off, like getting cut off in traffic. Being in the 10 items or less line behind the person with 25 items. Unexpected meetings at work, coworkers calling in, toothpaste not squeezed at the bottom, a swallow of milk left in the fridge, listening to a negative friend go on and on about whatever issue they have at that moment,being sick, and forgetting to set the coffee maker at night.
Dealing with stressful situations is a normal everyday part of life for pretty much everyone. When they become to much or we have stress overload it can become dangerous. For some of us stress can have a physical manifestation, it can raise blood pressure, cause palpitations, anxiety, and a Lupus flare. Since my intital diagnosis, I've always been told to "reduce" my stress. I personally am not sure how to become totally stress-free, but I've taken many steps in order to try to keep any additional stressors out of my life.
A couple of years ago I began having panic attacks; they consisted of shortness of breath, accelerated heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, and feeling like the world was caving in around me. I also got very angry and mean. I would go off at the drop of a hat and would make my co workers cry from the things I said to them. To top it off I was also in a horrible flare and was facing another round of chemotherapy again. It was too much for me to handle alone anymore.
During a routine visit with my PCP, I broke down crying. I'm a very strong person, and crying isn't something I normally do. I was at my wits end, I was going to lose my job if I didn't get myself under control and my family wasn't very happy with me either. My doctor gave me Buspar to help with the anxiety and panic. I also went to anger management and learned to some breathing techniques to get myself under control when things get to be to much.
What I learned about myself is that I have to stop trying to fix other people. I need to stop taking on other peoples stress and situations like they were mine. I am not responsible for the world. I still offer advice and help when I can. The difference is I no longer take it personal when they don't take my advice and I don't try to force my solutions on them. If person(s) don't care enough about their own situation to change it, then it isn't my place to try to force them to care.
My family, health, and job are very important to me. Stress is a part of life but I no longer let it take over and run free. The link is for a breathing exercise to help during stressful times.
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_community.aspx?articleid=494&zoneid=91
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