Are you feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the daily demands of life? Do you feel your emotions overpowering your decisions and life in general? If so, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from stress disorder, which can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or even depression. Let’s explore how to break free from a stress disorder and look at ways to manage the condition, like practicing mindfulness, positive thinking, and self-care.

What is stress disorder?
Stress disorder, known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. It can affect people in different ways, depending on the severity and intensity of their symptoms. Stress disorders can cause physical and emotional distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Causes
Stress disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can interfere with their daily lives. While some people may be more prone to developing PTSD than others, anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop the disorder. Here are some common causes of stress disorders:

• Exposure to violence or abuse, whether in childhood or adulthood
• Experiencing or witnessing a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake
• Surviving or witnessing a serious accident, such as a car or plane crash
• Serving in combat or being exposed to warzone violence
• The act of assaulting or physically attacking someone
• Receiving a life-threatening health diagnosis or undergoing major surgery

It’s important to note that PTSD does not arise in every person who experiences a traumatic event. In fact, many people can recover from traumatic experiences without developing PTSD. However, those who develop the mental disorder often struggle to cope with their symptoms and may feel isolated or disconnected from their friends and family.

Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder can include physical or emotional abuse, combat experiences, natural disasters, and accidents. As a result of PTSD, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A traumatic experience is relived through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
• Avoiding triggers or reminders of the trauma, which can lead to social withdrawal or isolation
• Negative changes in mood or emotions, such as depression, anxiety, guilt, or shame
• Hyperarousal can cause individuals to feel easily startled or agitated, have difficulty sleeping, or experience a heightened sense of danger

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person. Seeking support from a mental health professional can help individuals better understand and manage their symptoms, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Diagnosis
Once you have become aware of the symptoms of stress disorder and suspect that you may be struggling with them, the next step is to seek a proper diagnosis from a professional.

• Clinical evaluation
  This is when a mental health professional will ask questions about your symptoms, health history, and any possible triggers that could have led to the onset of stress disorder.
• Self-assessment tools
  These are questionnaires that help you identify whether you have the symptoms of stress disorder. While these self-assessments cannot provide a formal diagnosis, they can help identify the severity of your symptoms and prompt you to seek professional help.
• Physical examination
  Since stress disorder can have symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and stomach issues, a physical exam can help rule out any other conditions that may be causing these symptoms.
• Psychological testing
  A psychological evaluation may be conducted to assess your overall mental health and identify any other underlying mental health conditions contributing to your stress disorder symptoms.

A proper diagnosis can help you access appropriate treatment and develop coping strategies to help you break free from stress disorder.

Treatment options
Various treatment options can help manage the symptoms.

• Therapy
  Counseling and psychotherapy are effective in helping you manage stress disorder symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapy for stress disorders that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Supplements
  The healthcare provider may prescribe supplements to help you manage your stress disorder.
• Mindfulness
  It involves being present at the moment and not letting your thoughts or worries control you. It can help you reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality and your overall well-being. There are several mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.
• Support groups
  Joining a support group can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. You can share your experiences and learn from others working to manage their stress disorder symptoms.