What is Stress Awareness Month?

This April, we’re stepping into Stress Awareness Month - a time when we collectively pause to reflect on the impact stress has on both our minds and bodies. Since 1992, this observance has served as a reminder that our physical health is inseparable from our mental well-being.

About 18-35% of the US population is affected by chronic stress. Among them, 75% aren’t receiving any type of psychological help. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The effects of stress not only undermine our quality of life but also contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, insomnia, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Having that in mind, let’s consider this April as a starting point to normalize conversations about stress management and build a more supportive environment for everyone. Together, we can work towards a future where stress is understood, not stigmatized; managed, and not ignored.

Understanding stress

Stress is our body's way of responding to everyday situations that are perceived as challenging. In response to these situations, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for a "fight or flight" reaction. This mechanism helps us handle immediate challenges.

However, when stress becomes chronic — persisting over long periods without relief — it can disrupt our daily functioning. Chronic stress, in turn, can significantly reduce our quality of life.

What are signs of Stress?

Feeling overwhelmed - Sometimes stress feels like you have so much on your plate and you don't know where to start.
Mood swings - You might find yourself getting angry at people over the smallest things.
Physical symptoms - Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.
Changes in appetite - Eating more or less than usual.
Difficulty concentrating - Difficulty concentrating on your work or daily tasks.
Procrastination - Putting off tasks because they feel too daunting.

Effective Ways to Cope with Stress

Learning how to cope with stress effectively is one of the main purposes of contributing to Stress Awareness Month. Here are five effective strategies, inspired by the CDC's recommendations:

Take breaks from the news

Too much exposure to news, especially traumatic events, can heighten stress. It's beneficial to stay informed but limit this to specific times and take breaks from screens.

Focus on self-care

Engaging in activities that promote well-being, like eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough sleep, plays a crucial role in managing stress.

Practice mindfulness

Techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or meditation can significantly reduce stress levels by enhancing your present-moment awareness.

Eat healthy meals

Maintain a routine with well-balanced meals and regular exercise. Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use.

Laugh more

It might sound a bit too simple but believe it or not, laughter triggers positive changes in your body, enhances your mood, and helps you relax.

Connect with others

Sharing your experiences and feelings with friends, family members, and people you trust can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.

Seek professional help when needed

Learn how to recognize when you need additional support. If stress becomes overwhelming, reach out to a mental health professional to receive guidance on how to deal with tough times.

Now What?

Now that you're equipped with strategies to manage stress, take the next step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Siyan Clinical Corporation is ready to support and guide you at every step toward wellness. Begin to incorporate these methods into your daily life, and remember, we're here to offer additional support whenever you need it.

Let's prioritize stress management together, today and in the future.

Announcements

This monthly Recovery Newsletter is now a part of our new endeavor to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Program (CCBHC), funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Topics will range from addressing managing mental health as well as substance abuse. To learn more about Siyan becoming a CCBHC, please visit: https://siyanresearch.org/CCBHC/

NEW September 2023 - Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Siyan Care

If you or a loved one are seeking support on the path to recovery, we are here to help. There are times when individuals are faced with crises or an increase in psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization is not necessary or no longer required, but outpatient services such as weekly or biweekly therapy appointments are not sufficient to meet the individual’s needs.

In these situations, Siyan Care offers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) levels of care. IOP is appropriate as a step up when other therapy and psychiatric support services are not sufficient in managing symptoms or providing needed structure and support. IOP meets 3 days per week for 3 hours per day of group therapy, with 1:1 counseling sessions and monthly psychiatry appointments for medication management. To learn more about Siyan Care, please visit: https://siyanclinical.com/intensive-outpatient-program-iop/

If you or someone you love would like to schedule an evaluation to see whether you are a fit for the CCBHC program, please contact us at 707-206-7268 or email psychresearch@siyanclinical.com to enroll. We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances including Medi-Cal and Medicare for our CCBHC program.

Every conversation is confidential and we offer telehealth. One day at a time.

Sincerely,

The CCBHC Team

Disclaimer: This product was supported [in part] by grant number H79SM086652 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

SIYAN CLINICAL RESEARCH | [CCBHC]