Stress - Complications

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In general, however, few workplaces offer stress management programs, and it is usually up to the employees to find their own ways to reduce stress. Here are some suggestions:

• Seek out someone in the Human Resources department or a sympathetic manager and communicate concerns about job stress. Work with them in a non-confrontational way to improve working conditions, letting them know that productivity can be improved by reducing the pressure on employees.
• Establish or reinforce a network of friends at work and at home.
• Restructure priorities and eliminate unnecessary tasks.
• Learn to focus on positive outcomes.
• If the job is unendurable, plan and execute a career change. Send out resumes or work on getting a transfer within the company.
• If this isn't possible, be sure to schedule pleasant activities and physical exercise every day during free time.

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Caregiving

Caregivers of Family Members. Studies show that caregivers of physically or mentally disabled family members are at risk for chronic stress. Spouses who care for a disabled partner are particularly vulnerable to a range of stress-related health threats, including influenza, depression, and heart disease. Caring for a spouse who has even minor disabilities can lead to severe stress.

Specific risk factors that put caregivers at higher risk for severe stress, or stress-related illnesses, include:

• Wives: Some studies suggest that wives experience significantly greater stress from caregiving than husbands.
• Having a low income.
• Being African-American: African-Americans tend to be in poorer physical health, and have lower incomes, than Caucasians. They therefore face greater stress as caregivers to their spouses than their white counterparts.
• Living alone with the patient.
• Helping a highly dependent patient.
• Having a difficult relationship with the patient.

Intervention programs that are aimed at helping the caregiver can reduce stress, and help the caregiver maintain a positive attitude. Moderate-intensity exercise can also be very helpful in reducing stress and improving sleep in caregivers.