Incirlik recognizes National Stress Out Week April 13-17

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Russell
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Stress is the stone that breaks the calm pond, sending ripples in every direction. The pond represents everyday duties our life seems to engulf, and no matter where our life progresses, those small ripples, that stress, is apt to follow. 

"National Stress Out Week," sponsored by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, is an annual event that focuses on activities individuals can do to help relieve and alleviate the stress in their lives. Though it has been a large focus on college campuses throughout the states, it can turn a helping hand to anyone with stress in their lives. 

Some of the leading causes of stress include finances, work, family, health and safety, relationships and death. Different people respond to the same demand in different ways.
"Some people see a new tasking from the boss as an opportunity. They feel a surge of adrenaline and use that to tackle the job," said Maj. Timothy Gameros, 39th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight commander. "Others see the same tasking as an overwhelming burden. They feel their heart rate jump and they can't imagine how they will ever be able to complete it. 

"Even babies get stressed about the limited, but real demands they face, and they'll let you know it too," he added. 

No matter the response or age though, stress is an active factor for every individual. 

According to gotanxiety.org, more than 40 million American adults are diagnosed every year with an anxiety disorder caused from stress. Anxiety is hard-wired into all of our brains. It is part of the body's "fight or flight" response. It is a normal response to situations of uncertainty, trouble or feeling unprepared. 

"This is an internal response to the demands of life, and because it's internal, you have the ability to modify it," said Major Gameros. 

According to numerous studies, exercise is one of the best things an individual can do to alleviate stress. It burns off physical tension, triggers adrenaline and endorphins and helps individuals think more clearly. Consulting a chaplain, asking a friend to help unwind or even asking a supervisor to help prioritize or restructuring the schedule will help downsize the stress load as well, said Major Gameros. 

The Airmen at the Mental Health Clinic also provide stress management programs to teach skills people can apply to the rest of their lives. It may help to "blow off steam" but the MHC helps turn down the temperature on the boiler as well. 

"We teach people to manage their physical stress response, such as headaches, tight shoulders and a racing heartbeat," said Major Gameros. "We teach them to manage the thought patterns that increase stress, such as labeling themselves or others, such as 'my kids are monsters' or 'my spouse is a jerk.' We teach individuals how to turn away from stress-increasing terms like 'never' and 'always'; i.e. 'I'll never get ahead' or 'I always do all the work.'" 

With individuals allowing the stress response to become too intense over a long period of time, the situation can escalate and become problematic to their health. 

According to gotanxiety.org, over time, stress can suppress the immune system and lead to illnesses. It will affect sleep and appetite, or the way an individual acts with others. Other research suggests the elderly may have more difficulty coping with stress due to some of the neurological changes that comes with aging. 

"No one is a prisoner to stress," said Major Gameros. "If you're not happy with your stress management, change the equation." 

Individuals battling stressful times can build fun, relaxing activities into their day. Even looking at their "problem-solving" skills; breaking down complex problems into steps and tackling them little by little. 

During stress out week, or any time the little details in your life become too much, turn to the support around you. 

"Military Family Life Consultants are available, as are supervisors, your first sergeants, chaplains and the staff at mental health. All are ready and willing to listen," said Major Gameros. "You can indeed eat a whole elephant if you take it one bite at a time."