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Destress from stress: importance of mental health in this busy, crazy world

Stress is everywhere. From the moment that alarm rings in the morning, most of the workers start to panic even if their day is just starting. Throughout the day, moments become worse as tons of assignments that need to be accomplished are increasing, and the demands are getting thicker and thicker, until the 8-10 hour numbers of work end. From the time a worker goes home, he’s already tired, yet thinking of the assignments he needs to finish. So his 24 hours are not enough. But the challenge is, how can a person handle and manage the stress since everyone has also the same 24-hour cycle in everyday life?

So if a person is stressed, how healthy his mental state?

From the World Health Organization’s (WHO) original Comprehensive Mental Health action plan 2013-2020, it recognizes the essential role of mental health in achieving health for everyone. The said plan contains a life-coach approach, including health coverage and stresses the importance of prevention.

The plan has four major objectives: more effective leadership and governance for mental health; the provision of comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings; implementation of strategies for promotion and prevention; and strengthened information systems, evidence, and research.

Stress is everywhere

Experts defined stress as mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral reactions to any perceived demands or threats.

According to Psychiatrist Felicitas Soriano, Acting, Assistant Chief Medical Professional Staff at Veterans Memorial Medical Center, ambiguous situations include things that a person is unsure of, which can cause stress because of something that is not new to him.

“For example, you may be stressed when taking an exam with a professor for the first time, because you are not sure what to expect,” Dra. Soriano said. “But desirable situations are also stressful because our performance in these situations may influence our ability to get something we want,” she added.

“You may also be stressed in a job interview for the job of your dreams, marriage is a stressor, a new baby can be a stressor, building a new house, etc. we also tend to get stressed,” Dra. Soriano explained.

She also added that we also tend to get stressed out in situations that we do not have a lot of control over, including illness, separations, and even death.

Different research also said that vulnerability to stress depends on how people perceive it. Some see that a situation is dangerous, difficult, or painful, others also don’t believe that they have resources or hope.

“Stress interferes at least moderately with lives. Chronic stress can affect one’s health, causing symptoms from headaches, high blood pressure, and chest pain to heart palpitations, skin rashes, and loss of sleep,” Dra. Soriano added.

Importance of good mental health versus stress

Dra. Soriano also said to take care of their mental health and understand people who are suffering from mental health problems is very important to everyone. “There is no health without mental health,” she said.

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood,” Dra. Soriano detailed.

Everyone deserves to have a happy life, and so when someone is stressed, each of us has the power to help each other whenever one is experiencing stress, anxiety or even depression.

“Having a good family relationship, being in full-life resiliency, exercising, doing relaxation activities, setting goals and priorities, healthy workload and office environment, friendly people are some of the key ways to distress and fight anxiety and depression,” Dra. Soriano claimed.

“You must also know your limitations so pressures won’t affect you fully. Always get connected with people especially parents, friends, and siblings. Have a very powerful spirituality attitude,” she added. “But, you must also know the signs and when to go to a doctor,” said Dra. Soriano.

“Positive management is key. Always look on the brightest side of life, and think that everyone can help you,” she also explained.

“Everyone has 24 hours. So when it’s rest, it’s rest. Life doesn’t end on the walls of work. Just do the work, leave things in the office, and enjoy the rest of your life.”

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