STRESS AND ANXIETY 1
Managing stress and anxiety to live well
Listen to the stories of Veterans who have learned better ways to deal with stress and anxiety. They talk about experiences such as panic attacks and putting too much pressure on themselves. When they connected to resources, they found effective treatment that improved their lives.
What are stress and anxiety?
Do you find yourself constantly concerned over many areas of your life, including feeling nervous about small things like being on time or worrying even when things are going well? Or do you often feel jumpy or become angry when anyone disturbs you? Maybe you can’t concentrate on things as well as you used to, or you break out in a sweat and your heart races for no obvious reason. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, they could be signs of stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety serve a purpose. They act as the body’s alarm system for dealing with threats or tense situations. The body and the mind prepare themselves physically and emotionally to deal with danger. But if the alarm never shuts off or if it goes off at high volume even for small concerns, stress and anxiety can become overwhelming and make it hard to carry out your daily routine.
“I thought I had put it all behind me so I didn’t know that my anxiety about going into certain situations was related to what I went through in the Persian Gulf.”
Some Veterans experience stress and anxiety because of past events — like combat or a traumatic military training experience — that are painful to remember or accept. Other Veterans are dealing with stress and anxiety because of other life experiences, like a job change or family conflicts.
Severe stress and anxiety sometimes cause physical symptoms, like trembling or shaking, or can lead to feelings of panic or unease. At high levels these conditions can also be associated with chronic disease. Over time, stress and anxiety can interfere with your work or daily activities and strain your relationships.
What can I do if I’m experiencing stress and anxiety?
- Try to get enough rest.
- Plan a schedule for your day to help manage the feeling of being out of control.
- Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to help cope when things upset you or don’t go according to plan.
- Do something you enjoy several times a week, like seeing a movie or visiting friends.
“My counselors at VA showed me different techniques on how to deal with my anxiety attacks. They’ve given me a guide on how to live, because the anxiety stopped me from living because I shut myself off.”
It’s important to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Your close friends and family may notice the effects these conditions are having on your quality of life. Turn to them when you are ready to look for solutions. By sharing what you’re experiencing with them, they may be able to provide support.
NEED HELP NOW?
Call The Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 And Press 1. Or Send A Text Message To The Veterans Crisis Line At 838255.
Free, confidential support 24 / 7 / 365.
TAKE ACTION!
Give the San Jose Vet Center a call, at (408) 993-0729 to get back to your best life.
In Addition to the VA, here are some Community Mental Health Resources
CALL – EVEN ANONYMOUSLY
San Jose Vet Center is open:
7 AM to Midnight on weekdays
8 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends (including holidays)
(408) 993-0729.
