Under Stress while helping others? You need to be good to yourself too!

Dr. Brown is a noted family physician and international and national speaker on health prevention, wellness, continuing medical education and women’s health. She is a member of numerous advisory bodies for both the provincial and federal government, helping make decisions regarding healthcare of Canadians. She was awarded, Family Physician of the Year, 2012 by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.

Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/drvivienbrown

Here’s an analogy I often use when talking about the need to be good to yourself in times of stress.

When an airline attendant reminds you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping someone else—they know that if you don’t have enough oxygen, you won’t be in a position to help anyone else.

The same applies to us. When we are faced with a stressful situation such as caring for an elderly parent, or stresses from work, we need to ensure we are taking good care of ourselves too. Because if we don’t, then, when the ones closest to us, need us, they could suffer as we won’t be healthy and able to give of ourselves.

Stress is not a medical condition. There is no disease called stress. It’s how you feel, how you perceive yourself, that’s a predictor of whether you are stressed or anxious, or depressed. Depression is when you are having a severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. If you are depressed than you need to consult a professional. But if you are stressed, feeling pressured, there are things you can do to help yourself. And this is important so you do not feel overwhelmed and unable to function at your best.

1. Seek out a support group related to the particular stress you are feeling. If you are coping with an aging parent find a group that offers support to caregivers. If you have a child who is challenged there are many groups and associations that provide education and support. The important thing here is to stay socially connected and not retreat into isolation with your problems.

2. Try to get some sleep, eat healthy and exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block. The important thing is to keep moving and feel rested. One of the most important things I tell my patients is if you can’t sleep then you can’t make sound decisions when you are tired, so rest is essential. It will give you more energy to face difficult situations that are causing you stress.

3. If it is work related stress, consider talking with professionals in your company, the human resources department. Many companies have employee assistance programs that provide counseling and other forms of assistance that may be helpful. Find out what your company offers in the way of help and support.

Remember taking good care of yourself is not being selfish. It actually is being selfless, so you will be there, healthy and able to help others in your world.

Dr. Vivien Brown –MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP
Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Medisys Health Group