Coping with stress Published April 26, 2006 By 2d Lt Karoline Scott 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Stress is a common condition experienced by almost everyone at one point or another. If stress becomes overwhelming, however, it can lead to life changing behavior and serious illness. April is Stress Awareness Month and focuses on educating people about stress and what they can do to keep it from negatively impacting their lives. “Stress is defined as the physical, behavioral or mental result of any demand or challenge we need to meet,” said Capt. Leslie Buck, 375th Medical Group staff psychologist. “Feeling overwhelmed at the workplace or at home is a common cause of stress,” said Captain Buck. “Clashing personalities in the workplace can be another factor.” Along with these causes, some people in the military are faced with additional stress triggers. “We’ve observed an increase in ops tempo, which has caused more and more folks on base to become anxious and stressed out,” said Jane Clark, Scott Air Force Base Health and Wellness Center health education program manager. “Stress is definitely a major factor in the lives of many military members.” For anyone affected by stress, physical and emotional conditions can arise. People under a lot of stress may become sad, paranoid, anxious or irritable, said Captain Buck. Physically, side effects of stress can include a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, shortness of breath, headache, trouble sleeping, fatigue or nausea. If stress becomes chronic, more serious conditions including high blood pressure, stomach and upper intestine ulcers, depression, infertility, suppressed immune system or even heart disease can arise, she added. Stress may also lead to unhealthy behavior. “Those who are stressed are more likely to smoke, overeat and make poor lifestyle choices,” said Ms. Clark. Because of its potential hazards, it is important that signs of stress are recognized and problems dealt with quickly. “Signs of stress at work can include personnel showing up late, having uniforms or clothing that may not look sharp or the individuals may appear tired or sick,” said Captain Buck. “Also, those who feel stressed usually may mention that something is bothering them. “At home, if a family member is not fulfilling their normal responsibilities, that may be a sign of stress,” she said. There are, however, ways to deal with conditions caused by stress. “If you notice someone you work with is stressed, the best thing you can do is talk to them and find out what’s going on. It’s important for people to know they have help and support at home and in the workplace,” said Captain Buck. “The first thing I recommend to people who feel stressed is to take care of themselves physically. I tell them to make sure to get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly,” she said. “It also helps to participate in activities you enjoy. Get out of the house and have fun. If that still doesn’t work, it’s always alright there’s always time to seek professional guidance from your doctor, with a chaplain or through the Life Skills Support Centeror take a class on how to deal with stress .” Before stress becomes overwhelming, it is beneficial to take preventative measures. With this in mind, the HAWC is teaming with Life Skills to create a preventative stress management course, which will be offered to all Scott military members, dependents, retirees and Department of Defense civilians beginning in the early fall. “At the HAWC, we’re aimed at prevention,” said Ms. Clark. “Our goal with this new course is to give people a ‘tool box’ of sorts for stress management. Folks will be able to learn how to live and deal with everyday stressors. “In the meantime, we remind everyone that relaxation techniques including meditation can help alter physiological factors that come with stress and, most importantly, can calm you down,” she said.