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	RECOGNISING THE SIGNS OF STRESS
Stress is an expression of the way in which you get on with your environment and the demands made upon you, as well as the way in which you cope with the demands internally made on you by yourself.
WHAT DOES MY STRESS LEVEL LOOK LIKE?
The following is a list of feelings and experiences which you might have had recently. Indicate how often you have had the following experiences during the past week. Please mark the applicable choice   NEVER SOMETIMES QUITE FREQUENTLY A problem in remembering things         Problems with concentration         Struggling to make decisions         Your thoughts have come to a complete standstill         Problems with indigestion         Stiffness or tension in your neck, back or other muscles         Weak or dizzy feeling         Perspiring, even when it’s not hot or you have not been working out         Becoming aware that your hands are shaking         Feeling shaky inside         Short of breathe         Feeling tense         Feeling scared or anxious         Having a poor appetite or over eating         Feeling lonesome         Feeling bored, or hardly being interested in anything         Not being interested in and drawing no pleasure from physical activity like before         Struggling to fall asleep, or waking up during the night         Crying easily, or feeling like crying         Feeling down hearted or unhappy         Lacking energy or feeling unconcerned         Hopeless about the future         Thinking about bringing an end to your life         Losing your temper         Becoming angry or irritated easily         Feeling critical towards others         Being angry about less important things

In order for you to manage your stress, you need to understand stress and the causes of stress. Failure to do so can influence your mental health in such a way that serious life crises cannot be solved or managed effectively. This can ultimately lead to suicide.

 

Help is at hand Attend a Suicide Prevention Workshop in your area (contact your Employee Assistance Service- office to confirm dates of workshops). Call the anonymous, 24-hour Crisis Line for referral to internal or external counseling and support: 0860 103 055

COMPILED BY: PEARLENE COCHLAN
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGER
SOURCE: SAPS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS PROGRAM: WORKBOOK. APRIL 2005