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    Secondhand Stress

    Uploaded by

    Irina Vadan

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Secondhand Stress

    Uploaded by

    Irina Vadan
    9 views2 pages

    Original Title

    secondhand stress

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    9 views2 pages

    Secondhand Stress

    Uploaded by

    Irina Vadan

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    What is secondhand stress

    and how do I get rid of it?


    Studies have shown that stress can be contagious. So, how do we stop
    the secondhand stress before it spirals and we feel overwhelmed?
    Writing | Bonnie Evie Gifford

    S
    tress. It can be how can we get rid of secondhand Of course, being there for those
    overwhelming, can’t it? stress for good? we care about when they’re
    As a nation, as many going through a challenging time
    as three in four (74%) What is secondhand is important, but it’s essential
    of us have felt overwhelmed stress and anxiety? we’re able to do so without
    and unable to cope in the past The terms secondhand stress it costing our own mental
    year, according to figures from and secondhand anxiety refer to wellbeing, by finding a way to
    the Mental Health Foundation. when you begin to feel stressed or maintain a balance between
    Whether it’s financial worries, anxious, because someone else is supporting someone without
    relationship difficulties, or showing signs of stress or anxiety. taking on their stress.
    feelings of being overworked and Essentially, our minds and bodies
    underappreciated, unfortunately, are wired to keep an eye out for How do you know if
    it’s not just our own stress that’s potential danger or threats. When someone is stressing
    keeping us up at night. we see someone else having a you out?
    Research has shown that, stress or anxiety reaction, we can There are a number of different
    thanks to emotional contagion, unconsciously end up mimicking signs and symptoms of stress
    it’s possible for us to ‘catch’ stress, this, as a natural form of self- that we can keep an eye out for.
    anxiety, and other emotions defence. These can include emotional
    from people, as demonstrated We’re able to pick up symptoms (feeling frustrated,
    in a study published in Research secondhand stress by seeing quick to anger, anxious,
    in Organizational Behaviour. others’ facial expressions, hearing overwhelmed, teary, or avoiding
    Just watching someone else their voice frequency, and even others or social situations) or
    showing classic signs of stress recognising specific scents or physical symptoms (trouble
    can be enough to trigger a stress touches. What’s more, we’re more sleeping, feeling dizzy, excessive
    response in us, which can lead likely to experience secondhand sweating, chest pains or
    to further feelings of exhaustion, stress from someone we know, palpitations, digestive problems,
    worry, and even starting to avoid rather than a stranger – meaning or seeking comfort from food,
    certain colleagues, friends, family, our colleagues’ or loved ones’ drugs or alcohol). But there are
    and loved ones. stress levels, and how they react also signs to watch for that can
    So, what can we do to spot the to and express those feelings of indicate being around someone
    signs of secondhand stress before stress, can have a serious impact else may be causing you
    it starts to take hold of us? And on us. secondhand stress, including:

    78 | Issue 73 | happiful.com
    When we see someone else
    having a stress reaction, we
    can unconsciously end up
    mimicking this, as a natural
    form of self-defence

    ▲ Stress eating or drinking


    when they are around (e.g.
    eating more when you’re
    around someone, as a way to
    self-soothe or cope with how
    you are feeling).

    ▲ Checking your phone


    or avoiding eye contact
    while talking to others.
    This can be a sign that you
    are feeling uncomfortable
    with what is being shared,
    or are experiencing stress
    and overwhelm (though
    it’s worth noting that not
    everyone is comfortable with
    prolonged eye contact, so
    this isn’t always a clear sign).

    ▲ Fidgeting (e.g. tapping your


    feet, bouncing your leg,
    clicking a pen, or drumming
    your fingers) or biting
    your nails can both be
    common ways to cope with
    stress, anxiety, or general
    feelings of nervousness. If
    you find yourself doing this
    frequently around the same
    person or situation, it could
    be a sign. >>>

    happiful.com | Issue 73 | 79

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