Stress is an inevitable part of life. Stress may be due to personal relationships, the workplace, or life changes. Repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful situations may take a toll on our physical and mental health.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many are experiencing increased emotional stress due to loss, isolation and uncertainty.

Understanding our stress responses and how stress affects us is the first step in learning how to cope with stress.

Stress is a combination of thoughts and feelings that arise when we are faced with challenges.

Signs and symptoms of stress may include:

Anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, appetite or weight change, irritability or anger, difficulty concentrating, headaches, backaches or chest pain.

The following are some methods to cope with stress:

Express your feelings to someone you trust.

Be aware of your limits and set reasonable, realistic self-expectations.

Learn to assert yourself and say ‘No’ in a respectful manner.

To contact PSU for Confidential Tele-Counseling Services, please call PSU’s Screening Unit Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 212-815-1260 or our main number 212-815-1250 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.