stress (2)
If you're feeling anxious or depressed, or affected by eating disorders, it's a sign that you might be struggling with stress or personal difficulties.
In the UK, about 20 per cent of people aged between 16 and 24 are thought to have a significant mental health problem.
Because adolescence and early adulthood are full of changes and challenges - sexuality, friendships and pressure to prove yourself in exams, for example - you can start to experience mental health problems around this age.
If you're dealing with other problems too, such as family conflict, bullying, bereavement, poverty, emotional deprivation or abuse, it can feel like a vulnerable time. Beware of the following warning signs:
1. Sad, withdrawn and less interested in things you used to enjoy
2. Worried and anxious
3. Critical of yourself and the way you look
4. Eating and sleeping much more, or much less, than in the past
5. Harming yourself (for example, drinking too much or taking too many drugs, cutting yourself or intentionally putting yourself in dangerous or risky situations
6. Angry and aggressive
7. Confused and acting in unfamiliar ways
8. Avoiding college, work or social situations
Alcohol and drugs can seem to provide an escape from your problems, but can create an extra layer of difficulty if your use of them becomes excessive.
You should go and see the doctor if you fear this maybe what your going through.
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Even people with the most adaptable personalities can experience the effects of long-term stress if they lack a sense of control over aspects of their daily lives. Scientists studying stress in the workplace, for example, have found that those who perceive that they have the least control over their working environment suffer from the highest levels of stress-related illness. Experts recommend that managers work to ensure that their employees have some sense of empowerment in order to relieve an unnecessary source of chronic stress.
Caregivers of elderly or chronically ill family members are another group subject to chronic high levels of stress. For example, studies done on caregivers of Alzheimer patients show that chronically high cortisol levels significantly weakened their immune systems. Mental health professionals suggest that caregivers try to set very small goals in the care or recovery of their loved ones and take respite from their responsibilities to lessen their stress.
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