Different people experience stress differently. One situation that’s stressful for you may not be stressful for someone else. Knowing what your stress triggers are can help you to understand and manage your stress better. Here’s how you can deal with your stress triggers.

What are stress triggers?

Stress is basically your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. When you see a threat or a major problem, chemicals and hormones such as cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone), surge through your body.  These hormones trigger your fight-or-flight response, which helps you fight the stressor or run away from it. Usually, your body should relax after this but prolonged stress can have negative effects on your long-term health.

Certain situations will trigger your stress more than others. For example being diagnosed with a chronic illness (HIV), parents separating or failing an exam. These are known as external stress triggers. These events can cause you to experience stress because they’re often out of your control and you have no choice but to deal with them.

On the other hand, your stress responses can also be influenced by negative thoughts and feelings which can cause worry and discomfort. These are also known as internal stress triggers. Internal stress triggers include fear and feeling like you don’t have control over your circumstances. Dealing with these triggers means making an effort to change your attitude and outlook on life. 

Coping with stress triggers

Take control – Keep a journal where you can keep track of situations, concerns or challenges that cause you stress. This way you’ll be quick to identify a stress trigger when you notice it but also, you’ll know how to respond to it.

Share your experience with others – You can speak to your friends and family about situations that stress you out. This way they can offer support because they understand you better and they can try to help prevent situations that can cause you to get stressed.

Practice self-care – Meditation, breathing exercises, rest and staying active will help you to deal with stress triggers better.

Remember that stress is a normal part of life and everyone experiences it at some point in their life. These guidelines are meant to help you manage your response to stress and stressful situations better, but if you feel like you are stressed all the time, then it’s a good idea to talk to someone. 

You can call The South African Depresion and Anxiety Group) on their 24hr Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 or call Lifeline on their 24 Hour Counselling Number: 011 422 4242 or 0861 322 322.

Otherwise, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).