Understanding Stress: What It Looks Like and How to Manage It

By Valerie Mostyn, DSW, LCSW, Oak Orchard Health

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can affect both mental and physical health. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent stress from taking over.

Signs of Stress

Stress appears in different ways for different people. Common signs in adults include:

• Feeling irritable or anxious
• Trouble focusing or completing tasks
• Loss of interest in activities
• Sleep problems or changes in appetite

Children may show stress differently, such as:

• Avoiding family, friends, or school
• Mood swings or defiant behavior
• Trouble concentrating on homework
• A decline in personal hygiene

Stress can impact people of all ages. It’s important to address stress early before it leads to more serious health issues.

How to Manage Stress

If stress is becoming a problem, these strategies can help:

Seek Support
Talking to someone can make a big difference. This could be a trusted friend, teacher, family member, or therapist. If stress feels overwhelming, professional help may be needed.

Do Relaxing Activities
Enjoying hobbies, watching a movie, reading, or taking a walk can help. Mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or grounding techniques can also bring calmness. A technique called “square breathing” involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, and exhaling for four seconds, and repeating.

Take Care of Your Body
Healthy habits, like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active, can reduce stress. Even light exercise, like walking, can boost mood.

Stay Organized
Feeling overwhelmed can make stress worse. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, using to-do lists, and setting priorities can make responsibilities feel more manageable.

Know When to Get Help
Stress is a natural part of life, but managing it is key to overall well-being. By recognizing stress early and using healthy coping strategies—such as seeking support, staying active, and staying organized—stress can be kept under control. If stress feels unmanageable, professional help is available.

For support, call Oak Orchard Health at 585-637-2375.