The aftermath of the economic downturn should be seen as more then a simple matter of losing, or having, less money. The psychological effects of deep recessions, in which the full extent of the damage is not well known until years after it takes place, is not something that can be shrugged off so easily. A recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association’ (APA) revels that Stress is rampant across the country.
It is not only the US that suffers from heightened stress levels due to the economic worries. In the UK a separate study conducted by Aviva UK Health last year that showed 6 out of 10 employees felt increasing pressure to preform in their workplace and became increasingly concerned of their future job prospects. Worse is that over half believe their workplace offers no provision for dealing with the stress. This leads to seeking out potentially dangerous and addictive methods of couping such as excessive alcoholic, smoking, and self medication.
According the the DirectGov website one in five people suffers from workplace stress, with half a million people reporting they have become ill as a result. This article looks at the causes and remedies of stress and explains your rights.
Dr Doug Wright, Principal Clinical Consultant at Aviva UK Health, said:
“The lack of support from business leaders to help their employees prevent and treat the problem is extremely worrying. Stress is a serious issue and British bosses need to look to prevent it before it has an impact on businesses. Coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, have further serious health implications in the long term. Employers have a responsibility to prevent workers from becoming over-stressed by providing support such as an Employee Assistance Programme, encouraging them to keep active, having a good work/life balance, eating healthily and ensuring that they are equipped to spot the signs.”
Stress levels in 2010 ranked slightly lower than in previous years, in particular during the peak of the economic in 2008, they are still nearly twice as high than what is considered a safe level.
“America is at a critical crossroads when it comes to stress and our health, says psychologist Norman B. Anderson, PhD, APA’s chief executive officer and executive vice president. Year after year, nearly three-quarters of Americans say they experience stress at levels that exceed what they define as healthy, putting themselves at risk for developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and depression. Stress is hurting our physical and emotional health and contributing to some of the leading causes of death in this country.”
The problem with stress is that the mental and physical repercussions are not instantaneous, people can go months or years without realizing the damage.
This can result in entire families being affected by a single persons excess levels of stress. Its known that children in households with stressed parents are seven times more likely to become more stressed themselves. Children and younger teenagers who are still developing mentally and physically are even more at risk as stress can lead to relying on solitary behaviour like listening to music, watching TV, or playing video games to escape a socially hostile environment.
Children and adults alike who suffer from long term stress are much more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, or chronic pains. The universal advice given by health care specialists prescribe is more exercise and weight loss to help combat stress, however most people don’t take the advice.
Fortunately the NHS website has an entire section concerning stress management. It is full of methods which you and your family can use to lower stress levels, and stay healthy:
“In life, there’s always a solution to a problem,” says Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. “Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing will only make your problems worse.”
He says the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network and adopting a positive outlook.
If however your prolonged stress leads to physical and/or mental health problems or if you believe that you are experiencing a stress-related illness, you may benefit from a discussion with your GP.