Stress is one of those topics that’s always worth talking about. Unfortunately, it never ceases to be a highly relevant issue for Americans and… well, just about everyone. Still, this month may be an especially opportune time to focus on stress and explore how to manage it effectively. Why? Most people don’t know that the first Wednesday of November (November 6, 2024) is National Stress Awareness Day! Whoever chose that date chose it well. This time of year, many of us are shifting our attention toward the changing weather and the upcoming holiday season, both of which can trigger a lot of anxiety. If you’re reading this, you may be facing something even more overwhelming right now… an unexpected pregnancy.
If you’ve recently gotten a positive result on a pregnancy test that you weren’t expecting, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that provides free limited medical services, including lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, and more. Our expert staff is passionate about helping individuals cope with the difficult circumstances surrounding an unexpected pregnancy. We believe a holistic approach advances women’s well-being and equips them to engage in the healthiest decision-making possible.
Discover Avenue Women’s Center! We’ve been serving people from our own Chicagoland community and beyond since 1981! We promise to meet you with empathy and professionalism, as we have for so many others over the past 40+ years.
“What Is Covert Stress?”
Merriam-Webster defines “covert” as, “Veiled. Not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed.” For the purposes of this blog, the phrase, “covert stress,” refers to hidden stress. Sometimes, the stress we experience isn’t obvious to us. This can be true for many different reasons. Tension can result from all kinds of situations we encounter in life, including positive changes and problems that seem minor. Stress can also have physical effects on the body, which can linger without us realizing it. If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy right now, you’re probably dealing with anxiety on multiple fronts. Maybe you’re processing so much information and feeling so overwhelmed that you’re experiencing a sense of emotional numbness. Covert stress can influence your decision-making even though it’s probably not at the forefront of your mind. It can be dangerous because it’s hard to recognize.
“How Can I Recognize Covert Stress?”
In order to cope with covert stress effectively, you need to learn how to identify it. Self-awareness is key. Consider taking these steps to recognize stress when you see it. It may be showing up in your day-to-day life and impacting you in ways that you wouldn’t expect.
- Pay attention to your body. Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, digestive problems, sleep problems, and changes in sex drive can all be physical symptoms of stress. When left untreated, stress, “can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.” (Mayo Clinic).
- Pay attention to your mood. Stress can definitely trigger anxiety, but it can have other impacts on your mood as well. Look for these potential changes: restlessness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with memory, irritability, and sadness (Mayo Clinic).
- Pay attention to your behavior. Ask yourself questions like these… Have my eating habits changed? Am I more prone to lose my temper? Am I relying more on substances like drugs or alcohol? Am I less motivated to exercise? Am I avoiding people? (Mayo Clinic).
“How Can I Cope with Covert Stress?”
There are many possible avenues to cope effectively with stress- covert or otherwise! Consider these suggestions from the Mayo Clinic:
- “Get regular physical activity on most days of the week.”
- “Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage.”
- “Keep a sense of humor.”
- “Spend time with family and friends.”
- “Set aside time for hobbies. Read a book, listen to music or go for a walk. Schedule time for your passions.”
- “Write in a journal.”
- “Get enough sleep.”
- “Eat a healthy, balanced diet.”
- “Stay away from tobacco and alcohol use, and use of illegal substances.”
*Check out our blogs, “Coping With Feelings of Stress During an Unexpected Pregnancy” and, “8 Methods for Self-Care During Pregnancy” to further explore healthy coping strategies in the unique situation of an unexpected pregnancy.
If you need early pregnancy support, consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center! We provide medically sound information coupled with unconditional emotional support. Any one of our caring staff members would be honored to walk beside you in the days and weeks ahead.
Reach out to us today! We’d love to help you get the tools you need to move forward feeling informed and empowered.
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References:
Mayo Clinic. (2023, August). Stress management. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
Merriam-Webster. Covert. Retrieved from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covert
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.