STORY:

“As a nation, we are facing the brink of war and a giant unknown,” says University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D. “We don’t know if we are going to war or when. Unknowns produce a sense of loss of control and that can be very stressful for people.”

WHO:

Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in the UAB Department of Psychology. His research interests include behavioral medicine and the link between health status, quality of life and chronic illness.

WHAT:

Stress can bring with it feelings of anxiety, irritability or fear, says Klapow. Some people experience problems with concentration and memory, increased muscle tension, stomach problems, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure. “Stress, however, occurs at the individual level and it’s based on an individual’s perception of events.”

“People have different ways of coping with stress, says Klapow. “For some, talking or being around family and friends is helpful. But for others, talking produces more anxiety. Unfortunately, some have negative ways of coping, such as overeating or using alcohol or cigarettes. Others cope through denial and introversion.” Klapow offers the following tips for dealing with stress:

• Pay attention to your body. Try to get adequate sleep and eat well. The immune system is compromised in times of stress.
  
  
• Exercise, which works to relax the body.
  
  
• Try deep breathing exercises.
  
  
• Spend time with a favorite pastime, which can help you relax.
  
  
• Limit your media intake concerning the war. “Stay informed, but don’t become paralyzed by information. Balance your intake of information with participation in normal, daily activities.”
  
  
• If your distress becomes unmanageable — where you can’t sleep, eat, or you have difficulty controlling anxiety-producing thoughts — seek professional help from a primary care physician, mental health professional or clergy.