We all can relate to what it is like to experience stress. We can feel stressed, if we are scheduled to do something that we may perceive as demanding or outside of our comfort zone (i.e., taking a test, talking in front of a group of people, having a serious conversation with someone, getting on a plane, planning a holiday, etc.). Stress is normal and can be helpful. Yes, stress can be helpful because it can serve as a motivating factor. For example, if we have a deadline to meet, feeling that stress can prompt us to plan and follow through on completing a task. Without the stress of the impending deadline, we might be inclined to put off doing the task.
At some point, though, too much stress can lead to overwhelming psychological distress or anxiety, which is unhealthy. Distress or anxiety can have a powerful effect on our physical, psychological, and interpersonal wellbeing. They can cause or exacerbate muscle tension, fatigue, headaches, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular issues, or a reduced immune system. They can impact our overall quality of life, our ability to function in our daily lives, and our relationships with others.
Treatment focuses on learning to more effectively manage stress, distress, or anxiety and to lessen the caustic effect it can have on our physical, psychological, and interpersonal functioning. If you think you are experiencing these symptoms please, know there is help available.
Take a few minutes to think about the questions to your right.
While OCD has an anxiety component and can have a tremendous impact on all areas of functioning, treatment includes a more specific and targeted approach. Dr. Moquin also has extensive experience in treating OCD. If you have already been diagnosed with OCD or you need to be assessed for OCD, please know there is help available.
Following is an extended version of an interview WMUR conducted with Dr. Moquin on the topic of stress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhmfPbTVO9o
1. Would you describe yourself as someone who experiences more than the average amount of stress?
2. Do you feel the stress is all-consuming?
3. When you are stressed, do you notice physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, stomach issues, or changes in breathing?
4. When you are stressed, do you find it hard to concentrate or focus?
5. Do you find yourself less patient or more irritable with others when you are stressed?
6. Does stress interfere with your sleep, your appetite, your ability to function, or your ability to enjoy your life?
7. Do you find yourself avoiding situations because of your stress?
8. Do you find yourself constantly thinking about the thing that has you stressed?
9. Would you describe yourself as someone who gets caught up in the 'what ifs' or worries with an inability to control the worry?
10. Are you unsuccessful at controlling intrusive or unwanted thoughts?
11. Do you find yourself thinking, 'Whatever I do is never good enough?'
12. Do you think it is time to learn how to better manage stress?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, your stress may have crossed the line from stress to distress.
Please contact us at mps.manchesternh@gmail.com or 603.315.4614.