04/02/2025
National Stress Awareness Month
Stress is one of the biggest public health challenges that we face as Americans, and we can’t
be healthy without considering and including mental health. Although it’s a common belief that
mental health and physical health are separate issues, the reality is that they often cannot be
separated; experiencing stress can lead to many kinds of ailments. In fact, mental and physical
health are two sides of the same coin. Experiencing distress in one’s life can lead to physical
health problems like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, and immune system challenges,
while also being a culprit for serious mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder
and major depressive disorder.
Stress is a reaction to a situation where one feels anxious or threatened. We all experience stress,
yet, every person can experience and process stressful situations in very different ways. Common
reactions to a stressful event can include:
• Disbelief, shock, and physical or emotional numbness
• Feeling sad, frustrated, or helpless
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Headaches, back pains, and stomach problems
• Smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs
At Seeds for Change Counseling we have therapists that are here to help and work with you on ways to reduce stress as well as finding healthier means to manage your stress.