Can stress damage me psychologically, physically, emotionally?

Question

I've had two panic attacks this month. My chest tightened, I lost control of my breathing, and fell to the ground. I have a headache every day with a severe tightning around my temples, neck, and back. My student loan debts and other bills are always on my mind. I've contiplated suicide several times...but that would only leave my family with my financial burden. I'm a 22 single mother and I don't know what to do. This stress is destroying me. What do I do?

Answer 1

Being your age and having sm. children is stress enough!

Stress, yes, can cause many illnesses. Panic attacks are really scary! I've have/had them! Suicide is not the way to go at ALL. De-stress by writing down what is bothering you and work on one thing at a time. You be the boss of what's stressing you.

Make time to enjoy yourself and your little ones, even if it is just for 20 mins. a day! Then, find an equal amt. of time just for YOURSELF! [prior to bedtime?]

Cleaning up your home can take a back seat, if you just take time to unwind each day. Chores will still be there, don't fret about that. Take one day or just one hour at a time, which ever you can handle for TODAY. [you'd best tell a DR. about your physical pains... get some help. A good neck/back rub can help in short term.]

I have 3 now-adult 'children' and was on Social services for MANY years. The future IS always brighter, it just doesn't seem that way when you don't know what to do/where to turn.

Get help from social services, therapy or the likes. Professionals know how to help you, and they can teach you how to eliminate some of what is bothering you and can help you learn to cope with things. No, you don't always need medications, so cheer up!

You just need a little help in understanding what the 'walls' are that are stopping you from your happiness and success! Student loans can be worked out if you just speak w/someone regarding them. [I lost all of my inc. tx. for 2 yrs. because of that, while on S. services.] We all survived anyway!

It sounds like you are taking on quite a responsibility by going to school. Be proud of yourself that you are accomplishing something for your self, children and future! Keep that in mind! DO NOT GIVE UP! It just takes time.
Speaking of your 'family' is there a way that you could have them watch the little ones while you de-stress and go for a walk? Do some hobbies/exercise? Don't count your family members out on your solutions.

Best of luck and keep on living; your loved ones will be proud of all your achievements!

Answer 2

Don't stress i am in the same boat. Remember you are a MOTHER. Where would your child be without you? You need to tell your family these feelings and contact your physician or a local hospital when these feelings arise. If you are getting any type of state assistance you will qualify for an extension on your student loans that is what I had to do. It pushes it out another year. As for any other debt you may want to consider bankruptcy because it is going to years until you can repay debt with a little one. Good luck! If you need anyone to talk to let me know also. By the way the stress can get to you I have been stressed and was just at Urgent Care with TMJ Inflamation.

Answer 3

Yeah this sounds like stress to me. Stress can have major impact on your body. If it is at all possible you could try just relaxing. Maybe someone can watch the baby for you while you take a long hot shower or bath or just do something for you. Otherwise you could try some exercises, sometimes this helps your body counter the hormones creating extreme stress in your body. I don't know how old your baby is but there are even some exercises and stretches that you can do with your baby that can help relax you, your baby, and also help the two of you bond.
I have a past history of stress disorders like anxiety and panic attacks. One of the best things for me was breathing exercises and mindfulness. Breathing exercises help to make sure you are not breathing shallow, instead deep breaths to fill your lungs. I usually also think of exhaling my stress, pushing that air hard out of my body. Mindfullness is where you pay careful attention to the details of the moment instead of worrying about what is about to happen, what you need to do, what you can't do, etc. It would be like smelling and tasting your food completely and listening to the sounds of your baby breathing. Maybe feeling the feeling of the carpet in your toes, things like that.
Remember that bills and stuff like that are not going to kill you. There are awesome little things in your life that are worth noticing that worrying tries to desintegrate.
Do what you can to balance your bills, what you can't, forget it! Take a deep breath and push it out of your system. You could try calling some of your loan companies and seeing if you can lower minimum payments or have them deferred for some time. Sometimes they will be helpful if you call them and let them know your situation.
Just remember that bills and money don't make you and they won't break you! You are stronger than that, many people feel the way you do. You can do it, and it won't be like this forever.

Answer 4

Dear Stressed, OMG yes stress is a killer. And it always seems to be money is one of the biggest culprits. Take it from experience that if you do not get some help, you will end up having a nervous breakdown. Suicidal thoughts are a sure sign that it is getting to be too much to handle on your own. It's always hard to reach out for help, but believe me when I say it is sooooooooooooooo worth it. And those headaches sound like migraines, which can be controlled with the right medication. You sound so much like myself I couldn't believe it. Please please go to your doctor and explain this situation to him or her. If you leave it too long you may very well have a nervous breakdown as I did. I hope you will go go for the help that you need. Please take your symptoms seriously. Remember that you ARE WORTH IT. Good luck, I hope to hear from you again. Signed very very concerned, Heather

Answer 5

Stress is the biggest malady of these times. You should seek help quickly, especially if you have thoughts of suicide. Look for a reputable source of debt reduction advise. There are a lot of unscrupulous people ready to pounce on and take advantage of people under debt related stress. They promise the earth and only end up taking your money. Keep away from them.

Take care!

Answer 6

Always start from the small and go larger. Clear out all your smaller bills first. Clear your mind and meditate for a while. Then calmly brainstorm ideas of what to do of all your loans. Ask for assistence from your family and friends. The best is to stay calm and hope for the best. Don't rush into things all at once. Good Luck.

Answer 7

See a doctor.
There are meds that will help a lot. Your local mental health department will also offer classes for stress and panic attacks. They will help with breathing techniques and relaxing techniques. You pay on a sliding scale so it is not that expensive.

Answer 8

yes it can. have you gone for help with your financial problems? can your family help? can you get help from a bank? there are organizations that can help with debt consolidation so you make smaller payments.

Answer 9

talk to a mental health professional or a clergy person. there is help out there (both mental and financial)

Answer 10

I think you've answered your own question.

Of course it can damage you if you're put under big loads of it.