Stress Q&A by Dr. Stöppler

Answer:

7 Tips to Make Holiday Travel Less Stressful Slideshow How Pets Improve Your Health Slideshow

Professional help is indeed available to help individuals deal with stress. Trained counselors and health professionals offer both individual and group counseling that can help you develop and strengthen your stress management skills. Social networks can also help control stress, and many people find relief in the form of a formal or informal peer support group.

If your stress is interfering with your capacity to be happy and lead an emotionally rewarding life, then it may be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if it is persistent. You may also want to talk to your doctor or a counselor if your stress is causing you to experience physical symptoms or worsening of a chronic medical condition. Finally, seek professional help if you find yourself "treating" your stress by misuse or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or by engaging in other unhealthy behaviors.

Thank you for your question.