Bangalore: Stress, if left uncontrolled for too long, may weaken the body's immune system besides making you a difficult person to work or live with.

People react in different ways to the same situation, but there are certain circumstances that make most of us stressed out, says psychotherapist Sunanda Murthy.

A death in the family, loss of job, having to relocate at short notice and sudden expenses that stretch the budget are some among them.

"Try to find out if you are really stressed out to the extent of being physically affected or are just going through moments of anxiety. If you feel lasting physical symptoms such as loss of sleep, chronic indigestion or headaches and a general feeling of fatigue without cause, it may a serious stress disorder that needs to be dealt with," she says.

Work-related stress

More work-related stress has to do with lack of recognition, an overload of work, low remuneration and very long working hours. Some of them you can deal with yourself, and for others you need to approach your immediate supervisor, if not the top management.

Therapists and counsellors in the West are now beginning to accept that working more than 50 to 60 hours a week may add to stress levels, whether you are a senior executive or just another office worker.

"Some people are real workaholics and enjoy long working hours but their health may be affected. Others can reduce their working time with better efficiency and by avoiding procrastination, but they do not. Some others just have to gather enough confidence and courage to be assertive about not taking on more work than they can cope with," says Dr. Murthy.

Symptoms

Work-related stress often spills over to the home. You become more irritable and may get angry more often with your spouse and children. You become more withdrawn and seek relief in watching sports on TV or drinking a bit too much.

You start paying less attention to the family and resent being asked to do even ordinary household chores.

"These are just symptoms that stress is getting to you. If the cause is not found and dealt with early enough, family relationships suffer and you end up with even more stress. Those with a happy family life are better able to cope with pressures and demands at work. Those unhappy at home are equally morose at work," she adds.

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