Can you recognise the symptoms of extreme stress or emotional difficulties?
People can become so used to and familiar with excessive stress or depression, or other forms of emotional strain, that they don’t consider or can’t imagine a life of lesser stress and more peace. The symptoms are a normal part of their everyday life. They comment, “Life is just so stressful”. There is a general acceptance that this is just how life is! Or maybe you know you aren’t living at your optimal best but don’t know the changes you need to make to improve your life and don’t think it is possible anyway. Hopeful thoughts such as, “If I could just go on holiday, I could have a break, or when I retire, I will be more peaceful.” This may be true, but it seems a waste not to enjoy your life every day and make the most of the present moments.
This is not to say one can attain a place where the stresses of this world and our internal stresses are permanently erased. That would be unrealistic but consider the prospect of understanding how to manage stress and developing a stress-reduction lifestyle leading to greater rest and peace each day—a lifestyle of dealing with difficulties and proactively managing your world to support yourself emotionally.
Let’s look at some warning signs of overloading for adults:
- Eating too little or too much.
- Excessive emotional reaction- bouts of crying or anger.
- Loss of interest in daily activities.
- Fatigue, low or no energy.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and neck or jaw tension.
- Feeling helpless or hopeless- having lost hope that things could improve.
- Constant worrying about the finest details.
- Controlling behaviour.
- Excessive addictive behaviour.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed.
- Avoidance of family and friends or people in general.
- Difficulty adjusting to new situations.
This list is by no means complete. It is key to notice changes in your mental health as warning lights, and that these will be personal and different to each of us. This list may serve as a catalyst to consider your stress levels and general mental health.
Do you notice any of these symptoms in your life, to a greater or lesser degree?
The Word of God has so many promises for us. Promises of a hope and a future. Promises that we are not alone, and that God leads us through all things. Promises to take care of all our needs. Promises to answer our prayers according to His will. Promises of protection and freedom from sin and mostly that He will give you rest.
As Christians, we have generally heard these scriptures in church or read them for ourselves, but how can they become a reality in our lives? What steps do we take to proactively co-labour with God to find peace and rest? Perhaps, we need to have a look inward, take note of where we are and consider making some changes. You may need help from a friend or professional to look deeply and most importantly, we need God’s guidance through life’s stresses.