Women and Stress: You're not alone, let's talk about this!

Housework, children's work, office work, husband's work, parents' responsibilities... Have you forgotten yourself in the midst of all this? Do you feel tired all day long, unable to sleep at night, and your head feels heavy? Then you are not the only one who experiences this. Many of us women struggle with this thing called stress every day. So today, let's talk about this.

What is this stress really?

Simply put, stress is a normal part of our lives. There are times when it helps us face challenges and stay focused. Imagine you have a presentation to give, and you feel a little stressed, so you prepare better for it. That's good.

But the problem starts when this stress continues. We call it Chronic Stress . Especially for women, this stress can become unbearable due to the burden of caring for the needs of others. Over time, this starts to feel normal. But it actually takes a toll on your body and mind .

Is stress different for women and men?

Yes, we all feel stress, but the way it affects women and men is a little different. Check out some of the findings from a study conducted by the American Psychological Association.

Researchers believe there are two possible reasons for this. One is biological factors , such as hormones in our bodies. The other is social influences , such as the support we receive or lack thereof from society.

What are the symptoms of stress in women?

Stress is like a sneaky enemy. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You may have these symptoms, but you may not even know they're caused by stress. See if these things sound familiar to you.

What are the main causes of stress in women?

There could be many reasons, but generally speaking, these are the main ones:

• Financial problems: Financial difficulties are a big stressor.
• Health problems: Illness of oneself or a family member.
• Relationship problems: problems with family, marriage, and friends.
• Problems at work or education: increased workload, competition.

In addition to this, something that especially affects women is the responsibility of caring for others . Children, elderly parents, household chores... In doing all this, many women completely forget about themselves. They put aside their own needs, their own rest, and dedicate themselves to others.

What will happen to your health if this stress continues?

It's normal to feel stress for a short period of time. But if it becomes chronic, meaning it lasts for a long time, it can cause serious health problems. It's like slowly making your body sick from the inside out.

• Severe or frequent headaches: Conditions like tension headaches and migraines.
• Heart disease: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
• Digestive system problems: Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which causes symptoms such as bloating and gas.
• Mental health problems: Conditions such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression.
• Body pain: Muscle stiffness and pain.
• Obesity: Stress can cause you to lose control over your eating habits and gain weight.
• Stroke: Increases the risk of stroke.
• Weakened immune system: It takes longer to recover from illness, and you get sick more often.

There is no need to be afraid of these things. The most important thing is that by controlling this mental stress under the guidance of a doctor , many of these complications can be prevented.

So how do you manage this stress?

The best thing is that there are many things you can do to control this. The main thing is to think of yourself as important . Start thinking about yourself as much as you think about others.

Try to get used to these things first.

• Eat well: Eat a balanced diet. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and greens.
• Exercise: Do something that makes you sweat for at least 30 minutes a day. Walk, run, dance. Exercise is a great stress reliever.
• Get enough sleep: Try to sleep at least 7-9 hours a day.
• Spend time with nature: Go outside and take a walk. Look at the trees and greenery. It's very calming.
• Do things that calm the mind: Practice things like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
• Practice gratitude: Think about the good things in your life. Be happy with even the little things.
• Make time for something you enjoy: read a book, listen to a song, watch a movie, talk to a friend. Set aside a little time each day to do something that brings you joy.
• Maintain social relationships: Talk to family and trusted friends. Share what's on your mind.

Next, think about your mental well-being.

• Find the cause of your stress: Write down the things you feel and do throughout the day in a journal. Over time, you will begin to understand when and why you feel stressed. Then you can make a plan to avoid or cope with those things.
• Practice saying 'no': Don't say 'yes' to everything. If there's something you can't do or don't have time for, politely decline. Set your own boundaries.
• Count to 10: When you are very angry, instead of reacting immediately, step away from the situation and mentally count to 10. Take a few deep breaths.
• Treat yourself as you would others: How kind are you to others? And be kind to yourself. You can make mistakes too, don't blame yourself for that.
• Take a break from social media: Stay away from your phone and computer screen whenever possible.
• Ask for help: If you're still struggling to reduce your stress after doing all of this, don't be afraid to ask for help. It's a powerful thing to do. See your family doctor. He or she can give you the guidance you need, and maybe even refer you to resources like therapy.

Stress can feel like a weight on your shoulders. Especially as women, we carry more weight than any one person can handle. Remember, there's nothing wrong with asking for help. Your health depends on it.