Stress is a normal part of life. Most of us have strategies that help us cope with everyday stressors but sometimes those strategies are maladaptive resulting in undesirable outcomes. For example, drinking or doing drugs to numb yourself from problems. Stress can cause mental health and physical health concerns. According to the APA’s Stress in America study, nearly 70% of Americans experience physical and mental symptoms of stress, but only 37% think they are doing very well at managing stress. There are strategies that can be utilized to reduce the effects of stress on the mind and body like meditating and exercising. When stress starts to affect everyday functioning, like interrupting eating and sleeping patterns or your ability to enjoy the things you used to, it might be time to ask for help. At Ridgeview we work with clients often who have many stressors in their lives that have caused them increased anxiety and depression among other mental health concerns. If you think stress is interrupting your daily functioning, call us today. Our mental health professionals at Ridgeview can teach you coping skills to better manage stress.