What is stress?

Stress is a word used to describe the feelings of "distress" experienced when tensions become unbearably high.

What causes it?

Many things or "life events" can lead to stress. Common causes include:

• Pressure to perform at work or being unemployed
• Family conflicts and relationship breakups
• Financial worries
• Health conditions
• Excessive substance intake including caffeine, alcohol, tobacco
• Non-ideal living environment such as cramped flat, traffic jams, close to sources of pollution

What are the common symptoms?

Stress can lead to both physical and mental symptoms. The most noticeable physical symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Stomach ache and indigestion
• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Sleeping difficulties such as insomnia
• Sexual problems
• Loss of appetite

Stress affects the mind with mental symptoms include:

• Poor concentration
• Short-term memory loss
• Feeling of frustration
• Irritability or anger
• Apathy or depression
  

What are the complications?

Stress is a fact of everyday life and a certain level of stress is beneficial in preparing us for a challenge. However, extreme and prolonged stress will lower the immunity and increase the susceptibility to a wide range of diseases including gastric ulcer and heart disease.

How can I prevent it?

The best way to prevent stress from getting out of control is to be alert to the early signs of stress and to seek assistance when necessary.

What is the treatment?

Most cases of stress can be dealt with by some self-help measures (see How can I help myself). The stress may sometimes be relieved after talking with your partner or a friend. Talking about your feelings or seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

In severe cases, stress can be treated by health professionals. Treatment can include medications and psychotherapy, alone or in combination. The choice of an appropriate treatment is based on the severity of the stress, the extent to which stress affects the patient's life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.

How can I help myself?

If you are suffering from stress, there are a number of self-help measures you could try out:

• Share your thoughts and worries with your partner or a reliable friend.
• Keep active. Take regular exercise.
• Eat properly. Have a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. They only mask the anxiety but do not solve the problem.
• Look for humour in stressful situations.
• Use relaxation techniques, e.g. meditation, yoga or massage.
• Deal with the cause of stress, e.g. learning to be more assertive, sharing your responsibilities at work, prioritizing your work schedule, organizing your time better.

If you do not feel comfortable talking about yourself in front of others or with anyone you know, you can try telephone counseling services which can give you opportunity to discuss things anonymously. Telephone counseling has worked well for many men.