A consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, has identified stress as a risk factor for developing mental health conditions, advising that Nigerians should endeavour to avoid too much stress.
Oluwaniyi, also the Head, Clinical Services Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, it is imperative that people avoid stress and stressors in order to safeguard mental health,
He noted that the first step to relieving stress in one’s life is to identify the stressors.
“Everyone experiences stress at various times in their lives. It’s a normal reaction that occurs when an individual encounters changes or challenges (stressors). The human body responds physically and mentally to stress.
“Stress management involves being able to identify the stressors/causes and using techniques to improve how one respond to the life stressors. These techniques can prevent or ease stress-induced symptoms,” he said.
The psychiatrist said that stress management had become imperative in view of the current economic challenges in the country.
Oluwaniyi, who said that the economic challenges were stressors that could trigger mental health conditions, advised that people should learn to manage what they had and be innovative in order to overcome the current situation in the country.
“Avoiding stress and safeguarding mental health has become more crucial for individuals in Nigeria due to the difficulties posed by the current state of the economy.
“Prioritising our mental health during these difficult times is just as important as our physical health. Try to be more innovative and contented with what you have.
“Scheduling time for enjoyable activities and relaxation techniques can offer encouragement in the face of uncertainty,” he said.
The Psychiatrist said that engaging in positive activities that give happiness, while avoiding anger could also help prevent stress and depression.
He said that being happy impact on one’s level of productivity at workplace, adding that happiness also impact relationship with people.
Besides, Oluwaniyi urged Nigerians to always share their thoughts with positive people to enhance their mental health.
“Constantly surrounding yourself with positive people will help manage stress/depression. Buying expensive clothes, jewelries will not bring permanent happiness.
“We need to create time for relaxation and look beyond the economic situation of the country; we need to focus on positive in every bad situation,” he said.
According to him, another effective strategy for reducing stress and preserving mental health is regular physical activity, saying that stress is reduced and mood elevated when endorphins are released through exercise.
He advised that people should laugh more as studies have shown that laughing reduces the stress hormone cortisol and boosts mood.
“Watch a funny show, or get together with someone who makes you laugh.
“Making time for physical wellness-promoting activities like exercise and a balanced diet has a direct impact on mental health.
“Whether it’s walking, reading, listening to music or engaging in mindfulness exercises, making time for relaxation and stress-relieving activities are equally vital,” he said.
——What is stress? ——
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.
Stress is the natural reaction your body has when changes or challenges occur. It can result in many different physical, emotional and behavioral responses. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. You can’t avoid it. But stress management techniques can help you deal with it. Stress is a natural human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, your body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress.
Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, that is, keeping you alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.
Symptoms and Causes of Stress
Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Knowing common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that’s not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.
Stress can lead to physical symptoms like exhaustion and chest pain, and psychological symptoms like depression and sadness
Stress can cause physical, psychological or behavioral symptoms.
- How does stress affect the body?
Your body’s autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate, breathing, vision changes and more. Its built-in stress response — the “fight-or-flight response” — helps your body face stressful situations.
When you have long-term (chronic) stress, continued activation of the stress response causes wear and tear on your body. You may develop stress symptoms that are physical, psychological or behavioral.
—–Physical symptoms——-
Physical symptoms of stress may include:
- Aches and pains.
- Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
- Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
- Stomach or digestive problems.
- Trouble having sex.
- Weakened immune system.
——Psychological symptoms——
Stress can lead to emotional and mental (psychological) symptoms, like:
- Anxiety or irritability.
- Depression.
- Panic attacks.
- Sadness.
——–Behavioral symptoms—–
Often, people with chronic stress try different things to cope. And some of those things are habit-forming and can have an impact on your health. These may include:
- Alcohol use disorder.
- Gambling disorder.
- Overeating or developing an eating disorder.
- Participating compulsively in sex, shopping or internet browsing.
- Smoking.
- Substance use disorder.
What causes stress?
Stress is how your body reacts to a change or challenge, and many different things can lead to it. Stressors can also be positive or negative. For instance, getting a new job or losing a job can both cause stress. Other causes of stress include:
An illness or death of a loved one.
Marriage, separation or divorce.
Financial issues.
Moving to a new house.
Going on vacation.
Having a baby.
Retiring.
Stress can also be acute, meaning short term. Causes of acute stress may include everyday stressors, like:
Studying for a big test.
Getting ready for a work presentation.
Having an argument with a friend or loved one.
Needing to get a lot completed in a short amount of time.
Experiencing many small problems all at once, like getting in a traffic jam, spilling coffee all over yourself and running late.
What is the best stress reliever?
Connect with others.
Assert yourself.
Get enough sleep.
Keep a journal.
Get musical and be creative.
Seek counseling.
