Stress and depression have been identified as enemies of day-to-day optimal functioning of our bodies.
This was disclosed by Dr. Juliet Ottoh, a clinical psychologist with the Department of Psychiatric, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), at the seminar organized by the Lagos House of Assembly Correspondents Association ( LAHACA ), which took place at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Dr. Juliet Ottoh pointed out that most occupations were stressful, and that stress is part of life.
She explained that getting a new job or getting married is stressful, and urged people to think of how to reduce stress in their everyday lives.
“Our attitude can lead to stress. The feeling that you have lost personal control can lead to stress. The feeling that outside force is challenging or threatening you,” she said.
The psychologist identified work overload, time pressure, physical danger and relationship at work as some of the sources of stress.
“How you feel (emotion), depressed/tired, angry, frustrated, how you behave, react are parts of stress.
“Stress could lead to accidents, mistakes, eating habit, sleeping problems, problematic social behaviour (withdrawal, aggression, compulsive shopping).
“It also shows in how you think, poor concentration and memory.
“It can cause physical disorder, stress can increase hormone which affects your metabolism, immune reaction and other stress responses such as heartbeat, respiration, blood pressure and physical demands on your internal organ,” she said.
On managing stress, she urged that people should know themselves better, especially on how they react to different situations, and what causes them stress.
She, however, advised that we should set priorities, examine our expectations, live a healthy lifestyle, and learn to accept change as a part of life, adding that we must manage our resources, avoid living above our means, keep healthy by eating well and exercising regularly, and put challenges behind us.
Dr Ottoh added that there is a relationship between depression and stress. She revealed that people with depression have similar symptoms with stress, and that this could affect their eating habit, relationships, function at work, and that it is a mental illness.
Symptoms of depression, according to her, include insomnia, loss of appetite, suicide, memory loss, decreased energy amongst others.
On how to deal with stress, she said that people could go on vacation, take time out to rest, avoid scheduling too many appointment or meetings, become an expert at managing your time, learn to say “no” set limits or and minimize stress.
“All Nigerians are depressed, so don’t think you are the only one. You must refrain from problems. We must learn to make excuses for people. Adjust your standard.
“We all make mistakes, we must not overflog ourselves. Practise gratitude. Learn to appreciate people. Make time for fun and relaxation.
“Don’t get caught up on hustle and bustle of life such that you forget to take care of yourself.
“Create time for leisure and make jokes. Do something you enjoy doing everyday. Keep your sense of humour, and take up a relaxation practice,” she said.
