5 Tips for Reducing Stress from Health Concerns

Many people have a wide variety of health concerns such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, ulcers and sleep deprivation because of stress. The level of stress can be so extreme for some people making a difficult to attend to daily tasks and having healthy relationships with the people around the. To further understand what type of impact health concerns can have on someone's overall life and for tips on reducing stress from health concerns, I have interviewed psychotherapist Irene Dougherty.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a licensed professional counselor working full time for a community development corporation that builds decent, affordable housing for very low income women and their families. I provide supportive services to the families that live in our housing. Part time, I have a small private practice, providing individual and couple counseling."

What type of impact can health concerns have on someone's overall life?
"Tremendous impact. Many of my clients' children have asthma which makes it difficult for moms to be at work some days because they have to stay home and care for their children, worrying about health issues can cause increased anxiety, some of my clients are unable to work due to health issues and have a fixed income of SSI or SS/DI. Depression and anxiety can contribute to health problems. There are many ways in which health concerns impact the lives of clients."

What are some tips for reducing stress from health concerns?

"The following are my tips for reducing stress from health concerns:

1. Incorporate a daily exercise program in your life.

2. Improve your diet by eating good foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fish.

3. Mediate when you sense your body is feeling stressed. There are many mediation CD's available at your local library and bookstores.

4. Join a stress support group. This is a great way to connect with others and learn stress management techniques at the same.

5. Get counseling. Seeing a therapist is a great way to talk about what is bothering you and relief the built up tension.

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time reducing stress from health concerns?
"I would suggest finding a therapist in your local area. You can find a therapist through the Psychology Today website and your city phone book.

Thank you Irene for doing the interview on tips for reducing stress for health concerns. For more information on Irene Dougherty or her work you can check out her website on http://imdoughertytherapy.com/

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/290023/is_stress_keeping_you_awake_at_night.html?cat=5">Is Stress Keeping You Awake At Night

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/126046/how_to_reduce_your_stress_simply_.html?cat=72">How to Reduce Your Stress Simply

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5487810/stress_management_an_interview_with.html?cat=5">Stress Management