Round 2 here we go! More midterms and colder weather are here to stay as we slip into the winter months. Despite having a few sunnier and warmer days, we are soon to experience snow and slush yet again. We’re starting to come up to the last few months of the year and what a year it has been. Some of the most stressful situations someone can experience have occurred to us and it’s important that we recognize what these traumas are and how we can deal with them.
The 5 most stressful events that can occur are the death of a loved one, divorce, moving, major illness or injury, and loss of employment. (1) Covid-19 times has unfortunately made many of these events true in our lives. All of these events can not only have huge impacts on our mental health, but have a physical effect as well. Such intense stress can cause issues to your digestive health, cause anxiety, increase inflammation, wreak havoc on one’s immune system and many more. (2) The correlation between mental and physical health is a huge one and to take care of one, means to take care of the other.
The first event, death of a loved one whether it be family, friend, or another close person has a detrimental effect on your health. Some people will never be able to fully move on from such a loss. In such a case it could be helpful to reach out to someone who was also close with the deceased and grieve together. Another option could be psychological help. Some will benefit from speaking to a professional, someone who isn’t directly connected with the deceased. Such intense emotions are ones we need to work through.
The second event although perhaps rarer among this age demographic is very possible. If not one’s own divorce it could be the divorce of a parent or a sibling. Separation can often cause feelings of grief and anger, strong emotions that are not easily diffused. Therapy, meditation, and getting your body moving are some of the ways to help cope with the change.
Thirdly, moving. Rent prices can be hard to keep up with right now, and eviction is a very real circumstance we could experience now. Similar to previous stressors, it would be beneficial to lean on your family, friends, or peers to help find a new home. These things unfortunately will not always be resources available to you and in such cases one may be forced to rely on the state. The federal government still has stimulus checks that can aid financially and many different home searching websites that can help narrow down a new place to live.
Major illness or injury is the fourth stressful life event and in a pandemic, is another unfortunate event that could be caused by the pandemic. Seeking medical attention and emotional support from loved ones will be important in overcoming such a physical trauma to the body and mind.
Finally, loss of job. Perhaps the most likely of all the major stressors in this pandemic, people in all professions have unfortunately lost their main source of income. Education is expensive and even if you are not paying for yours directly it can be stressful to have to worry about finances. The best thing I can think of is applying for scholarships, subsidies, and jobs in the time being. Maybe losing a job could even indicate a good transitional period. Take up a new hobby, go out and get some fresh air. Most importantly, breathe through the emotions you’re experiencing and don’t let them take complete control.
Even if you haven’t experienced one of the most stressful life events in the recent past or during your lifetime, it’s important to always take note of your feelings and keep telling yourself how amazing you truly are! _________________________
1 HealthStatus, “Top 5 Stressful Situations,” accessed October 20, 2020, https://www.healthstatus.com/health_blog/depression-stressanxiety/top-5-stressful-situations/.
2 UHBlog, “The Top 5 Most Stressful Life Events and How to Handle Them,” July 2, 2015, https://www.uhhospitals.org/Healthy-atUH/articles/2015/07/the-top-5-most-stressful-life-events.