HealthyLife Articles

Tag: coping

What Does Ptsd Look Like?

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

You may have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which happens when someone experiences a traumatic event. Many Veterans of the military, soldiers, prisoners of war, and victims of war experience PTSD. But, even those not involved with the military or war can experience PTSD. It can also be caused by:

* Rape, abuse, violent crimes or domestic violence

* Car accidents

* Natural disasters, such as a fire, earthquake or tornado

* Terrorist attacks

* Bullying

* A life-threatening illness, such as cancer

* Loss of a loved one

* Working in dangerous situations, which may include police officers or firefighters

PTSD may happen right after the traumatic event, or it can appear months or years later. Symptoms may include:

* Feeling angry or becoming violent

* Nightmares, flashbacks and/or hallucinations

* Forgetting parts of the traumatic event

* Feeling anxious or jumpy

* Sleep problems

* Avoiding people, places or things that remind the person of the traumatic event

People who have PTSD are often depressed. In some cases, PTSD can lead to abuse of drugs or alcohol. It’s important to see a doctor if you think you may have PTSD. Proper treatment can help a person manage their symptoms. Though PTSD cannot be cured, many people can feel better and lead happier, more productive lives with help from their health care team.

Kids & PTSD

Children can experience PTSD after a traumatic event, just like adults. But, the symptoms may be different than those seen in adults. A child with PTSD may:

* Act confused, agitated, afraid, helpless or angry

* Block the event by avoiding people and places that remind them of the event

* Act depressed, withdrawn or detached from others

* Act out or talk about scary events, especially at playtime

* Become violent and/or prone to extreme temper tantrums

* Be unable to talk

* Be afraid to be left alone

* Have frequent nightmares

If your child has experienced a traumatic event, it’s important to get them medical help as soon as possible. With prompt treatment that usually includes therapy, many children can heal from PTSD and go on to live normal lives.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
4 Ways To Beat Stress – Fast

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Whether it’s work, family matters or another issue, it can be hard to relax and wind down when stress hits. Our body has a physical response when we feel stressed or upset. Most people will find that their muscles tense, their breathing gets faster, blood pressure may rise and they may even feel ill. Fortunately, there are some quick ways to help stop this physical response, which will help you feel better mentally, too. Try these simple steps to start feeling better right now:

1. Take slow, deep breaths

Deep breathing is great for the mind and body. It doesn’t take any special equipment, and you can do it anywhere. Put a hand on your belly so you can feel it rise and fall as you breathe. Then, take a slow deep breath in through your nose. Feel the belly push out as you do this. Next, slowly breathe out through your mouth, pursing your lips like you’re whistling. You should feel the belly push back in as you exhale. Repeat this at least 3 times, or more if needed. Slow, deep breathing helps calm the body’s stress response.

2. Put down the technology

It can be tempting to keep scrolling through your phone or zone out in front of the TV when you’re feeling overwhelmed or tense. But this may make your stress feel worse. Some research suggests that getting outside and enjoying nature can make you feel better mentally. If you can, take a walk outside in a natural area like a park. Or, sit under a favorite tree or in a hammock with a book or magazine.

3. Get up and move

Whether it’s walking, jogging, swimming, kickboxing or another exercise, get your body moving. Exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals and has been shown to help lower stress and anxiety. But, don’t wait until you’re stressed to exercise! Get into a daily habit to help with everyday stress before it happens.

4. Talk to someone

If you have a trusted friend or family member to turn to, call them on the phone if you can. Better yet, step outside and enjoy nature while you talk to them. If you can’t reach anyone, pick up some paper and write down your thoughts and feelings. Getting your feelings out with words can help you feel some relief.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When Bad Things Happen

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Trauma can affect both your body and your mind. A traumatic event might be a personal tragedy such as being in a car crash or losing a loved one. It could be a public disaster such as a flood or shooting.

Just seeing or hearing about devastating events such as a typhoon in the Philippines or a flood in New Orleans can feel distressing, even if you aren’t personally involved, according to NIH in Health.

We all respond to crises in different ways. It’s common to feel sad, vulnerable, or anxious. But if you continue to feel afraid and upset weeks or months later, consider talking with your doctor. You may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. These conditions can affect people of all ages.

Children are especially sensitive to violent events or disasters. They may feel intensely hurt or frightened and find it hard to recover-or even talk about. Like adults, kids need emotional support from loved ones. They may also need medical care and counseling.

For more help, you can learn coping skills atwww.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/index.shtml.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
9 Easy Ways To Manage Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Don’t let stress take over your day! Try to do one (or a few!) of these things to start feeling better:

1.Connect with friends:Meeting up with other people can help reduce symptoms of stress and increase feelings of happiness.

2.Meditation:Meditation, such as mindfulness, is a proven way to help reduce stress.

3.Deep breathing:Slow, deep breaths can calm the body’s stress response and help you relax.

4.Playing with pet:Walking the dog or petting an animal companion may calm you.

5.Yoga:Practicing yoga can help the body relax. Try doing yoga videos at home or attending a local class.

6.Listen to music:Music helps the body cope with stress. Listen to music that makes you feel happy or relaxed.

7.Read a book:Escape to another world and take your mind off the day with a favorite book.

8.Exercise:Regular exercise has many benefits, including improving your mental health and stress management.

9.Massage:A massage not only feels good, but it can help reduce stress and muscle tension.

Sources: Anxiety and Depression Association of America, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents

FAMILY LIFE

How do you manage a child who gets stomachaches every school morning? Or one who refuses to go to after-school activities? Or who is trapped in the bathroom with frequent hand washing?

One in every 5 kids suffers from a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Experts Reid Wilson, professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and Lynn Lyons, a social worker and psychotherapist, say anxiety disorders are the number one reason why parents bring a child to a mental health professional.

“When kids grow and step into new experiences, they should have questions and uncertainties. Worry becomes a problem when a child is consistently avoiding activities or experiences that are a normal part of development,” according to these experts.

How do you know if your child may have anxiety? Wilson and Lyons, authors of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous & Independent Children, say to look for the following behaviors and see a mental health professional with your concerns (worry, they say, may run in families):

* They cling to you.

* They refuse to try new activities.

* They continually ask you for reassurance of their “what if” questions.

* They feel sick and complain of aches, pains, and nausea.

* They avoid school or cry or throw tantrums if you force them to go.

* They act shy and don’t talk in class or around others.

* They worry about future or past events (“I will look stupid reading this book report” or “Did I make my best friend mad?” or “Something bad is going to happen to my family”).

Children can learn to manage their uncertainty, but sometimes it takes a professional to help.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Are You Driving Yourself To Burnout?

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Commuting length, distance, and means are stress factors that can lead to burnout, said Annie Barreck of the University of Montreal’s School of Industrial Relations.

By car:

No surprises: the bigger the city, the more stressful the commute, at least for people traveling by car. Passengers are more likely to be stressed out than drivers because carpooling reduces the passenger commuters’ sense of control, which causes them more stress before they’ve even arrived at work.

By public transit:

People with long commutes from rural areas via bus or train connections are stressed about uncontrollable delays. The stress carries over into the workplace. But transit users in major urban areas are less likely to have symptoms of burnout.

By bike or on foot:

Biking is also a mixed bag that is determined by the area the commuter is working in. Commuting by bike in the suburbs is more stressful than biking in the city where cyclists and walkers have access to safety features such as cycle paths and pedestrian crossings, which increase their sense of control over their commute.

Study findings show that the risk of burnout increases significantly when a commute lasts more than 20 minutes. Above 35 minutes, all employees are at increased risk of cynicism toward their job. Barreck believes this should lead employers to adopt flexible commuting arrangements.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Coping With Life’s Challenges

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Stress happens to everyone at some point. We all face problems and situations that can be stressful. This can be losing a job, an unexpected move, losing a loved one, or problems at work. Even happy events such as a marriage, new baby, or new job can cause stress and anxiety.

Too much stress can hurt your health. The American Psychological Association says chronic stress can lead to heart disease, depression, headaches, weight gain, and other health problems.

But no one can avoid stress completely. The best strategy is to learn ways you can cope with the challenges of life and lower your stress levels through healthy thoughts and habits. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips:

* Figure out what you can and can’t control. If you have no control over something (like the weather or someone else’s behavior), try not to worry about it.

* Tackle small, doable problems if the big ones can’t be done right now.

* See change as an important lesson and a challenge that will help you learn and grow.

* If you have conflicts with others, try to address them calmly. Resolving differences can relieve stress, anxiety and anger.

* When you’re feeling stressed, talk with someone you trust.

* Be realistic with your schedule. Say “no” to things you can’t do.

* Get regular exercise. It can lower stress levels and help you sleep better.

* Choose healthy foods to nourish your body and help you feel your best.

* Take part in an activity you enjoy that can take your mind off stressful things. Sports, music, classes, or just a regular walk around the neighborhood can help you clear your mind.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Difficult People In The Workplace

WORK LIFE

A manager rushes into his employee’s office at 4:30 p.m., drops a pile of papers on her desk, and barks, “I need these read, edited, and finalized by 8:30 a.m.”

A woman calls in sick. She is shivering, coughing, and has a fever. Her supervisor screams, “I don’t care what illness you have. If you’re not in the office today, I’ll take it as your resignation!”

These are real examples of workplace bullying that cause stress, depression, and anxiety. The National Mental Health Association estimates that each year more than one billion sick days can be due to mental health disorders caused by work stress. That’s $193 billion a year in lost earnings.

Psychology Professor Katerina Bezrukova studies the psychological effect of workplace injustices and intergroup relations at Santa Clara University.

She says there are 4 kinds of co-workers and supervisors to look out for:

1.Narcissistic.These types have fragile self-esteem. They may become outraged when someone challenges them. Bezrukova says avoid criticizing them. Document your own work, too, so you have a record of everything you do.

2.Aggressive.To them, everyone is a predator or prey. That’s why they like to intimidate others and even bully them. They also tend to act frantic when a project comes in or a deadline is fast approaching. Bezrukova advises victims to stay out of the way. If they can, show them how management-by-hysteria can be inefficient.

3.Rigid.These types won’t try anything new. They manage with viewpoint of “It’s my way or the highway.” This stems from fears of being pushed around. Bezrukova says let them feel like they are a part of the decision.

4.Impaired.These people have ADD, anxiety, depression, burnout, or substance abuse issues. They need professional help. Employee Assistance Programs or other kinds of intervention are best.

“People, who suffer from a workplace injustice of some sort, develop anger, frustration, anxiety, insomnia, headaches. These relationships, coupled with the connection between long-term, chronic psychological distress and increased risk of physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, make this a crucial dollars and cents issue for business,” says Bezrukova.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Go On An Email Diet

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Each day, 55 billion emails are written. How many of those do you receive? Email can be extremely useful for work and socializing but managing the never-ending electronic stream can cause anxiety and even legal problems and financial risk. “It has taken over our professional lives in many ways,” said Marty Siegel, associate dean of the Indiana University School of Informatics and author of The E-Mail Diet Book. “That’s really the danger, that we’re spending so much time just reacting to the next email message rather than focusing on what’s most important to do to move our work goals forward.”

Siegel offers these tips to help you shed unwanted emails and take control of your emailing habits:

* Don’t respond to everything right away. Allocate certain times during the day to look at email and stick with the plan. “Some people think it’s only polite to respond to email immediately, or they need to instantly respond to appear on top of things,” Siegel said. “This is where the addiction begins.”

* Use spam filters. Spam filters come with most email programs and services. If used, they can help prevent unwanted emails and potentially dangerous phishing attempts from clogging inboxes and claiming our attention.

* Have at least two email accounts. He recommends having one email account for work and another for personal use. This will help reduce spam on the work account if this account is never disclosed during online shopping or in other instances when email addresses are requested.

* Read it or move it. “There’s something incredibly powerful about getting down to the point where you have no messages in your inbox,” Siegel said. He suggests creating an “unread messages” folder in your email program. Move most of your email into it. Then, go through the remaining emails in the inbox and respond or delete them.

* No “thanks.” Don’t send needless email responses. Like just saying “thanks” for an email. It just adds to other people’s email problems.

* Never send email when angry. “That’s the worst thing you can do,” Siegel said. Email sent in anger can be misread, sound sarcastic or rude and might be intentionally mean. This can create bigger problems by providing something in writing that can be recorded and end up in court. If you have to respond, suggest a live meeting so nothing is in writing, or send yourself a draft of the email first and then read it 24 hours later. “Often when you look at these, you think, ‘this is so silly,’ and you delete it,” Siegel said.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Reduce Stress At Work

WORK LIFE

Get enough sleep:Poor sleep can affect your mood, judgement and memory. This can harm your ability to cope with stress.

Look at the bright side:Each day, write down something you are thankful for. Take note of things that make you smile.

Get moving:Exercise is a well-known way to reduce stress and improve mood. Walking just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.

Try meditation:Meditating, praying or whatever helps you block out the stress of the day can help you relax. Finding time for peace can reduce overall stress levels.

Find ways to laugh:Laughter can help your muscles relax, which can be soothing after a stressful day.

Take a deep breath:Deep breathing activates a state of relaxation. Focus on deep breaths in and out for a few minutes each day.

Stretch it out:Stretching can be relaxing and can help the body get ready for sleep. Stretch each night before bed to help you get good rest.

Talk to others:Emotional support from friends and family is helpful during times of stress. Make plans to talk with people and have fun with loved ones during your free time.

Sources: American Institute of Stress, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Psychological Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026