Key Takeaways
- Stress commonly stems from personal finances, inflation and cost of living, work, health concerns, and the political climate and news.1
- Chronic stress affects the body as well as the mind, raising the risk of heart disease, hypertension, digestive problems, and weakened immune function, while also disrupting sleep.1
- Healthy coping strategies recommended by the NIMH include journaling, relaxation exercises, regular exercise, consistent sleep routines, limiting caffeine, challenging negative thoughts, and seeking support from friends or family.
- Professional help may be needed when stress symptoms persist and begin to interfere with daily functioning.
The five most common contributors to stress are personal finances, inflation and cost of living, work, health concerns, and the political climate and news.1 According to the American Psychological Association and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), chronic stress raises the risk of heart disease, hypertension, digestive problems, and weakened immune function. Stress also disrupts sleep, and poor sleep in turn intensifies stress, fueling a damaging cycle.1 Mental health professionals should be familiar with each of these stressors.
Many people today experience significant stress in their lives. The APA’s Stress in America survey finds that most Americans report rising stress levels over the past five years, with roughly 75% experiencing stress-related physical or emotional symptoms.1
What Are the Signs of Stress?
Stress can manifest in a range of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. According to the APA and NIMH, chronic stress is associated with increased risks of heart disease, hypertension, digestive disorders, and diminished immune response. Additionally, stress impairs sleep quality, and sleep deprivation exacerbates stress, resulting in a self-reinforcing harmful cycle.1
Here is a list of common sources of stress and their notable impacts.1
| Source of Stress | Notable Impacts |
| Personal finances | Anxiety, sleep disruption, and delayed healthcare visits |
| Inflation and cost of living | Budget strain, reduced spending on essentials |
| Work-related stress | Burnout, reduced productivity, and absenteeism |
| Health concerns (personal and family) | Worry, preventative care delays |
| Political climate and news | Emotional fatigue, social withdrawal |
What Are Healthy Coping Strategies for Stress?
Healthy coping strategies can help manage stress and improve daily functioning. The NIMH recommends several techniques that individuals can try when they start to feel overwhelmed.2
Common coping strategies include:
- Keeping a journal
- Practicing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or visualization
- Exercising regularly and eating healthy meals
- Maintaining a consistent sleep routine
- Limiting excess caffeine
- Identifying and challenging negative thoughts
- Reaching out to friends or family members for positive support
When Should Someone Seek Professional Help for Stress?
Stress becomes a concern when it interferes with everyday life, causes avoidance of normal activities, or feels constantly present. The NIMH advises that individuals may want to consider seeking help if stress symptoms persist and begin to disrupt daily functioning.2
Warning signs that professional help may be needed include:3
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in things usually found enjoyable
- Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
When someone is struggling to cope or symptoms of stress or anxiety won’t go away, the NIMH advises it may be time to talk with a professional.2
How Can Mental Health Counselors Help Clients Manage Stress?
Stress remains a widespread and persistent problem in the United States.1 Mental health counselors can help clients identify sources of chronic stress, develop healthy coping strategies, and address related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and behavioral changes.
Mental health counselors can also help clients develop healthy ways to cope with stress and address related emotional and physical effects. If you’re interested in the field of counseling and learning how to help others cope with stress and other conditions, consider pursuing an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Students in Walden University’s online master’s program have the opportunity to choose from a General Program or eight specializations, such as addiction counseling, forensic counseling, trauma and crisis counseling, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs of stress?
Stress can affect daily functioning in several ways, including difficulty sleeping or concentrating, irritability, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
When should someone seek professional help for stress?
The NIMH recommends seeking help when someone is struggling to cope or when stress symptoms don’t go away, interfere with everyday life, cause avoidance of normal activities, or seem to always be present.
What healthy coping strategies can help reduce stress?
The NIMH suggests techniques such as journaling, relaxation exercises, regular exercise, consistent sleep routines, limiting caffeine, identifying and challenging negative thoughts, and reaching out to supportive friends or family.
How can mental health counselors help with stress?
Mental health counselors help clients identify sources of chronic stress, develop healthy coping strategies, and address related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and behavioral changes.
What physical health risks are associated with chronic stress?
According to the APA and NIMH, chronic stress is associated with increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, digestive problems, and weakened immune function.
Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution that offers an online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.stress.org/news/what-the-latest-reports-say-about-stress-in-america/
2Source: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet
3Source: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
