Seeking professional medical treatment of therapy may be necessary for an individual in coping with stress. Stress management techniques that are developed by an individual may not always be effective in allowing an individual to cope with the daily pressures of life. If stress comes to a point where the individual can no longer cope or if the individual is seeking alternative ways to manage their stress then professional medical treatment is available.Seeking medical treatment may also assist in identifying other underlying causes behind stress that may not be apparent to the individual. Medical treatment does not necessarily mean treatment with drugs and there are many alternative therapies that are available.
According the Health Centre (2006), there are a variety of treatment options available to cope with and manage stress. Not all treatment options will work for everyone and it is important to be able to determine with your medical professional which option will work best for you and your individual situation.
Provided below is a summary of the medical treatment and therapy options identified by The Health Centre (2006) in managing and coping with stress. Many of these options can also help an individual to develop their own stress management techniques in the ongoing management of their stress.
Non-prescription Alternatives for Stress Management
There are many non-prescription alternatives on the market today. Some of these alternatives contain supplemental vitamins and minerals, while others contain herbal alternatives that have been used to naturally medicate stress. Herbal alternatives likeSt. Johns Wort, Kava Kava, 5-HTP, Valerian and SAM-e have all been show to relieve stress and some forms of symptomatic anxiety in clinical trials.
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy helps you weaken the connections between troublesome situations and your habitual reactions to them. Reactions common to stress such as irritability,anxiety, depression, anger, and self-damaging behaviour can be controlled. Behavioural therapy teaches you how to calm your mind and body, so you can feel better, think more clearly, and make better decisions.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy teaches you how certain thinking patterns are causing your symptoms— by giving you a distorted picture of what's going on in your life, and making you feel anxious, depressed or angry for no apparent reason, or provoking you into negative actions. Resolving the cognitive aspect of stress can mean less worrying, less unpleasant thoughts, and a positive outlook on life.
Literary Therapy
Literary therapy incorporates books, articles, and other research materials into the process of healing. By gathering information about stress, one can acquire in-depth knowledge about his or her problems. This knowledge provides the essential tools for controlling and resolving ones issues. There is an extensive amount of information available from a wide range of perspectives.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy involves the idea of healing through communication. Talking to friends, family members, or a therapist can help one to find support for those dealing with stress. Communication comes naturally to humans, and the simple act of discussing one’s problems can be extremely helpful in the healing process.
Talking to Your Doctor about Stress
Communicating with your doctor is an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of stress. By talking to your doctor openly, you allow him or her to provide you with the best stress treatment possible.
Medication
Medication or drug therapy is also a stress management option that can be discussed with your Doctor. This form of stress treatment is generally only considered in extreme situations where the individual can not cope with stress and does not respond to any other form of treatment.
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