“I’d rather be busy than bored” is a phrase you’ll often hear coming out of my mouth. Another common response I give is to the question “How are you?” to which I regularly answer, “Stressed and tired, but that’s okay.” For me, stress can be caused by many factors: family problems, home life, finances, work, lack of sleep, and so much more. As a 30 year old, I’m aware of how bad stress can be for your physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.
Unplanned pregnancy can be a major source of stress. If you or a friend is concerned about a possible unplanned pregnancy, contact Avenue Women’s Center today. We can provide you with a medical grade pregnancy test that is accurate just 10 days after possible conception at no cost to you. Even if you are a teenager, this confidential consultation will not only help you figure out if you are pregnant, but what to do next if you are.
A recent study by Patricia Schacht, Ph.D., showed that “School, competition and peers are the top three factors causing stress among Naperville teenagers…” Now imagine that you’re dealing with a possible unplanned pregnancy on top of that base-line stress. “I need a pregnancy test. What will my parents say? How accurate are pregnancy tests? I can’t tell them I’m pregnant. Can I get an abortion without my parents knowing? My boyfriend and I broke up, now what? Can I have a baby and continue on in school? Volleyball tryouts are next week. I’m going to be the laughing stock of my class. I can’t be pregnant. What am I going to do? Is all this stress causing my period to be late? Or am I actually pregnant?”
Whether or not you are dealing with a possible unplanned pregnancy, Mayo clinic suggests the following stress management strategies: “Regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or getting a massage, keeping a sense of humor, socializing with family and friends, and setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music.”
A breathing technique that I often use when I feel myself getting overwhelmed with stress is called “4 Square Breathing.” This is done by inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds, and holding your breath for 4 seconds. Continue this pattern for as long as you need until you feel yourself starting to relax.
Mayo also suggests “…be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid tobacco use, excess caffeine and alcohol intake, and the use of illicit substances.” And don’t forget, know when to talk to a trusted adult or medical professional. In Patricia Schacht’s study, she found that “more than 50 percent of students claim that they ‘rarely or never’ talk to someone about their stress and its daily impact.” Stress is not something to try to manage on your own, especially if it’s in regards to a possible unplanned pregnancy.
This is where Avenue Women’s Center can help. Our caring client advocates are here to provide information, resources, and support for any facing an unplanned pregnancy. Sometimes you just need a trusted expert to help process your decision with. Let us be that for you today. Call, text, chat or email with us for a free consultation right away.
Resources:
- North Central College News. (2018, February) Professor Patricia Schacht unpacks reasons why Naperville teens are stressed. Retrieved from: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2018/02/02/professor-patricia-schacht-unpacks-reasons-why-naperville-teens-are-stressed
- Mayo Clinic. (2016, April) Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.