In May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, Intermountain Health licensed clinical therapist Garry Holbrook emphasizes that stress is an unavoidable part of life. According to Holbrook, stress can be categorized into good and bad stress. Good stress serves as a motivator for self-improvement, while bad stress diminishes motivation and leads to feelings of sadness and anxiety. Managing stress effectively is crucial for overall well-being and health.

Holbrook differentiates between external and internal stress. External stressors, such as economic conditions, financial issues, car troubles, or a child's behavior, are beyond our control. Internal stress, however, originates within ourselves and is something we can manage. A key to managing stress is changing our reactions to it. Holbrook suggests that positive self-talk is an effective method for overcoming internal stress. It's important to be aware of our emotions without allowing them to cloud our rational thinking. Breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focusing on the successful completion of each step can also be helpful.

Temporary distractions can provide relief from stress, according to Holbrook. He suggests that if you use music to cope with stress, try focusing on the specific instruments and being mindful of the present moment. Practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present are excellent strategies for managing stress. It's important to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that the key is to learn from them rather than dwelling on them.

Holbrook advises that if negative thoughts become overwhelming and you find yourself unable to escape a mindset of feeling inadequate or in danger, seeking professional help from a therapist or doctor, or even talking to a friend or family member, is essential. Addressing stress through self-talk, conversations with loved ones, or professional support is preferable to letting it accumulate. Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of serious diseases. Holbrook notes correlations between stress and conditions like dementia, cancer, and high blood pressure, emphasizing that continuous, chronic, or persistent stress is detrimental to health, emotional well-being, and relationships.

Holbrook also cautions against self-comparison, explaining that we tend to compare ourselves to others, often choosing individuals who make us feel inadequate. He illustrates this with a personal anecdote about playing basketball and comparing himself to Michael Jordan. He stresses the importance of recognizing one's own strengths and abilities rather than focusing on perceived shortcomings.

In conclusion, while stress can be beneficial in certain situations, excessive stress can have lasting negative effects. If stress significantly impacts your thoughts or feelings, it's time to take action. Consider practicing positive self-talk, breaking down tasks, finding healthy distractions, being present and mindful, and avoiding self-comparison. Remember that friends, family, and health professionals are available for support. Intermountain Health offers free online resources through CredibleMind, and the National Suicide Lifeline is available 24/7 for those in a mental health crisis.

Intermountain Health, headquartered in Utah, is a not-for-profit system with locations in six states and operations across the western U.S. It includes 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with around 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division with over one million members, and other health services. Intermountain Health aims to help people live the healthiest lives possible and is recognized for its leadership in healthcare transformation through evidence-based best practices.