Stress Awareness Month has been recognized every April since 1992, but this year it seems particularly important.

Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.

What does stress mean to you?

We all experience stress – yet we may experience it in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.

Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels anxious or threatened. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the proper care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.

Common reactions to a stressful event can include:

• Disbelief, shock and numbness

• Feeling sad, frustrated and helpless

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

• Headaches, back pains and stomach problems

• Smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs

Affecting more than just your mind

Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can come as a result of stress.

When you are placed in a stressful situation, specific stress hormones rush into your bloodstream leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels. This is helpful in emergency situations, but having this “rush” for extended periods of time can be dangerous and make you susceptible to the issues mentioned previously.

Learn to overcome issues you cannot change

Sometimes the stress in our lives is not something we have the power to change. Try to:

• Recognize when you don’t have control, and let it go.

• Avoid getting anxious about situations that you cannot change.

• Take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm and in control.

• Develop a vision for healthy living, wellness, and personal growth, and set realistic goals to help you realize your vision.

Healthy ways for coping with your stress

Here are some basic ideas to help you cope with stress:

• Take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, give yourself a break if you feel stressed.

• Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a family member, friend, doctor, pastor or counselor.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.

• Recognize when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker or counselor if things continue.

Potentially the most valuable takeaway here is knowing how to talk to others about your stress. This goes both ways, as you need to know how to discuss your problems with others as well as talk to anyone that comes to you with their issues.

Original post:

By Pam Meyer is the Wellness Director, BLC-Wahpeton.

We want to thank you for supporting West Morgan Schools! We see you and we appreciate you!

• Trinity United Methodist Church
• Jody & Shane Keenum with Tri-State Hydraulics
• Joe Wheeler

The MCS District Mental Health Team along with Community Resources will highlight a school or schools monthly to show appreciation and support to the all the staff for their hard work with our students.

If you or your organization/business want to show support and encouragement to any of our schools, please contact Janice or Tessa, Mental Health Service Coordinators for Morgan County Schools our contacts are below. We will in turn promote your businesses by highlighting them on our website and social media to say thank you for supporting our schools.

Secondary Ed. Director /Media Specialist/ Data Governance/State Accountability/Testing Coordinator/ Counseling Director

Patrick Patterson has a B.S. in Secondary Education, a Masters in Administration in Educational Leadership and an Educational Specialists degree. He has been working in education for 25 years and worked in administration for 16 years. He has served as a teacher and principal before becoming a director at Morgan County Schools.

Email: pepatterson@morgank12.org
Location: 235 Highway 67 South, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: 2563092100 128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgancountyschoolsmentalhealth

Janice Vest is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and has a B. S. in Psychology as well as a Masters in Counseling. She has worked with children and mental health for 25 years. She was previously a Counselor in Morgan County for 9 years before becoming the Mental Health Service Coordinator in Morgan County Schools.

Email: jpvest@morgank12.org
Location: 235 Highway 67 South, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: 2563092100 37046
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgancountyschoolsmentalhealth

Tessa Buttram is a licensed Masters level Social Worker who has worked with children and families during her time at the Department of Human Resources in Chilton County prior to becoming the Mental Health Service Coordinator for Morgan County Schools.

Email: tnbuttram@morgank12.org
Location: 235 Highway 67 South, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: 2563092100 37049
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgancountyschoolsmentalhealth