Page 78 - Javanan Magazine Issue # 1885

PSYCHOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1885
ISSUE No. 1856
PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
PERSPECTIVES

JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community
HOW STRESS AFFECTS THE BODY

Physical Manifestations of Stress

sage; Keeping a sense of humor;
Spending time with family and
friends; Setting aside time for
hobbies, such as reading a book
or listening to music.
Aim to find active ways to man-
age your stress. Inactive ways to
manage stress—such as watch-
ing television, surfing the inter-
net or playing video games—
may seem relaxing, but they may
increase your stress over the long
term and be sure to get plenty of
sleep and eat a healthy, balanced
diet. Avoid tobacco use, excess
caffeine and alcohol, and the use
of illegal substances.
You should also know when
to seek help. If you’re not sure
if stress is the cause or if you’ve
taken steps to control your stress
but your symptoms continue, see
recent Mayo Clinic pub- Indeed, stress symptoms can lack of motivation or focus, feel- your doctor. Your healthcare pro-
lication reports the re- affect your body, your thoughts ing overwhelmed, irritability or vider may want to check for oth-
A search findings on how and feelings, and your behavior. anger, sadness or depression. er potential causes. Or consider
some unexpected physical condi- Being able to recognize common Moreover, it can change your seeing a professional counselor
tions can be traced to emotional stress symptoms can help you behavior leading to overeating or therapist, who can help you
stress. In my previous articles of- manage them. or undereating, angry outbursts, identify sources of your stress
ten wrote on the impact of stress Stress that’s left unchecked can drug or alcohol misuse, tobacco and learn new coping tools.
on our physical health. Now this contribute to many health prob- use, social withdrawal, exercis- Also, get emergency help im-
new report sheds more light on lems, such as high blood pres- ing less often mediately if you have chest pain,
the mind-body interactions. sure, heart disease, obesity and If you have stress symptoms, especially if you also have short-
Stress symptoms may be af- diabetes. taking steps to manage your ness of breath, jaw or back pain,
fecting your health, even though It can affect your body and stress can have many health ben- pain radiating into your shoulder
you might not realize it. You may cause headache, muscle ten- efits. Explore stress management and arm, sweating, dizziness, or
think illness is to blame for that sion or pain, chest pain, fatigue, strategies, such as: nausea. These may be warning
irritating headache, your frequent change in sex drive, stomach up- Getting regular physical activ- signs of a heart attack and not
insomnia or your decreased pro- set, sleep problems ity; practicing relaxation tech- simply stress symptoms. That is
ductivity at work. But stress may It can also impact your mood niques, such as deep breathing, why it would be important to get
actually be the cause. causing you anxiety, restlessness, meditation, yoga, tai chi or mas- medical checkups regularly.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management
15720 Ventura Blvd., Second Fl. #224 Encino CA 91436 (818) 501-6080 (562) 861-7226

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